(Minghui.org) Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, was first made public in Changchun, Jilin Province, China on May 13, 1992, by its founder Mr. Li Hongzhi. The practice has spread to over 100 countries since then. May 13 was declared “World Falun Dafa Day” in 2000. On the occasion of the 20th Falun Dafa Day and the 68th birthday of Mr. Li, Falun Dafa practitioners around the world have held celebratory events.
New Zealand: Falun Dafa Practitioners Hold Celebratory Event
Practitioners held a celebratory event on Aotea Square and in Sky City, downtown Auckland on May 4, 2019. The celebration began with a performance by the Tian Guo Marching Band on Aotea Square.
Practitioners came together to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day in New Zealand and wish Master Li a happy birthday.
Practicing the Falun Dafa exercises on Aotea Square
Practicing the Falun Dafa exercises in Sky City, downtown Auckland
The Tian Guo Marching Band performs
The waist drum team performs
Minka Boughman was thrilled by the Tian Guo Marching Band's performance.
Minka Boughman was very excited by the Tian Guo Marching Band. She said with tears in eyes, “I really like it very much. It’s so good! The music is so beautiful.”
She said she was drawn by the music and came over to talk to practitioners. When she learned that they were being persecuted she was deeply touched and said that she was proud that they continued to inform people and stood up for those who are still being persecuted.
Simon Bonnell expressed his concern over the ongoing human rights violations in China.
Simon Bonnell volunteers at a human rights organization and said, “China has many human rights issues. I really don't understand why the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is persecuting people. I am very concerned about this matter.”
He said that after he learned about the persecution from media reports, he signed the petition calling for the CCP to stop the persecution. He sincerely hoped that all Falun Dafa practitioners could have a peaceful cultivation environment in China and have the right to openly practice their belief.
Denmark: Celebratory Event in Copenhagen
Falun Dafa practitioners held a celebration in downtown Copenhagen, Denmark on May 4, 2019. They demonstrated the exercises and raised awareness of the CCP's persecution.
Practitioners from Denmark gathered to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day
Demonstrating the Falun Dafa exercises
Passersby stop to learn the sitting meditation
One student watched for a while then said, “This is incredible. The CCP is afraid of losing its power and is fearful when people have spiritual beliefs. When people have their own thoughts, the CCP cannot control them.”
Australia: Celebration Held in Downtown Canberra
Falun Dafa practitioners held an event in downtown Canberra on May 4, 2019. They demonstrated the exercises, distributed balloons printed with the words, “Falun Dafa is good” and “May 13 World Falun Dafa Day.”
Kate Waterford, Vice President of Amnesty International Australia, said many people are paying attention to the persecution and wished practitioners success.
Kate Waterford, the Vice President of Amnesty International Australia said, “We know that Falun Dafa practitioners are good people with their being peaceful and kind. They hope to have a peaceful life and a cultivation environment. We often see you raising awareness near the Chinese embassy.”
She said she had been paying attention to this very important human rights event. She encouraged practitioners and said that many people support them. She felt that the CCP’s persecution of Dafa is a scandal. She offered her best wishes and said she would continue paying attention to the issue.
Relevant article in Chinese: Denmark and Canberra, Australia
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