(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners and supporters planned a series of activities in Washington D.C. on July 20, 2023 calling to end the persecution in China. This includes a rally at the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, followed by a march and candlelight vigil.
July 20 also marks 24 years since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began to suppress Falun Gong in 1999. Members of the U.S. Congress recently sent videos, issued proclamations, and sent letters to support practitioners while calling to end the ongoing persecution in China.
Numerous U.S. Congressional members recently sent videos, issued proclamations, and sent letters calling to end the 24-year-long persecution in China. They include Rep. French Hill (AR), Sen. Marco Rubio (FL), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).
Congressman Hill: Time to End the Brutality
Video from Congressman French Hill
Congressman French Hill stated in a recent video, “As the world fully knows well, the Chinese Communist Party’s barbarism against Falun Gong in China has been ongoing for over two decades. Over this period millions of Falun Gong practitioners has been detained or imprisoned and thousands have been killed, including the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of forced organ harvesting.”
As a member of the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations within the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Hill said he was glad to work with the subcommittee’s Chair, Rep. Christopher Smith, to stand against the brutality. He was proud to co-sponsor H.R.1154 - Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023 that sanctions those involved in forced organ harvesting. In addition, the act would target those who fund or facilitate the crime of organ harvesting.
“It’s high time for our nation and like-minded freedom loving countries to address this problem through legislation, and put a stop to not only this inhuman practice, but take a strong stand towards ever-growing aggression of the Chinese Communist Party,” he continued.
In his video message, Congressman Hill also thanked the Falun Dafa Association in Arkansas for their efforts to raise awareness on this matter. He will work with other U.S. Congressional members as well as the world to combat the threats from the CCP and help those suppressed in China.
Senator Rubio: Commending Your Courage
Support letter from Senator Marco Rubio
“Twenty-four years ago, thousands of peaceful Falun Gong practitioners were abruptly detained in the Chinese Communist Party’s effort to eradicate the Falun Gong practice,” wrote Senator Marco Rubio in his letter. “I am writing to you today to commemorate the millions who have tragically suffered horrific abuse, forced labor, torture, and worse in the years since. I also want to take this moment to commend you all for your courage and bravery in the face of injustice.”
“I strongly condemn the tyrannical campaign of the Chinese Communist Party to violate the religious freedom and basic human dignity of Falun Gong practitioners,” he continued. “Your dedication to giving a voice to the voiceless is inspiring, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. I encourage you to persevere in your efforts and always know that you have a steadfast ally in the United States Senate.”
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi: I Applaud Your Tireless Work
Letter from Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
Congresswoman and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomed Falun Gong practitioners to Washington D.C.
“I applaud your tireless work defending religious freedom and bringing awareness to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners,” she wrote. “America’s commitment to human rights in China is bipartisan, bicameral, and unwavering – and we always remain vigilant in defense of human rights around the world.”
She said Democrats and all freedom-loving people would continue to speak out until every Chinese citizen can learn, worship, and live free from the persecution and abuse by the CCP.
In the end of the letter, Congresswoman Pelosi praised Falun Gong practitioners again and wrote, “The world calls for bold leadership in combating the forces of bigotry and oppression wherever they exist, and we never stop working to build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”
Congressman Norcross: Thousands Have Lost Their Lives
Proclamation from Congressman Donald Norcross
Congressman Donald Norcross issued a proclamation:
“Whereas on Thursday July 20th, 2023, the United States Falun Dafa Association will gather for their annual rally in Washington D.C. at the National Mall to call for an end to the Chinese Communist Party’s Twenty-four years of persecution for practice of Falun Gong; and,
“Whereas, the meditation practice, Falun Gong is rooted in Buddhism, upholding tenets such as truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, but millions of practitioners have been systematically detained and imprisoned including thousands who have lost their lives; and,
“Whereas, the First Congressional District of the Great State of New Jersey along with the New Jersey Falun Dafa practitioners celebrated the 24th Anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day on May 13th, 2023; and,
“Whereas, Master Li Hongzhi first introduced Falun Dafa roots in the traditional culture as it relates to mind and body cultivation, it is meant to improve physical and mental wellness though a series of exercises and meditation; and,
“Whereas, over the years, local Falun Dafa practitioners have participated and sponsored large scale efforts to share uncensored information about repressive tactics and technology of the Chinese Communist Party; and,
“Whereas, today since 1992 over 100,000,000 people worldwide have practiced Falun Dafa; therefore
“Be it known to all that the undersigned hereby honors: United States Falun Dafa Association Call to end persecution of Falun Gong”
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton: A Peaceful Practice
Letter from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton also wrote a letter to support Falun Gong practitioners' efforts to end the persecution in China.
“As a former assistant legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union, a constitutional lawyer, and a lifelong civil rights advocate, I take this moment not only to offer my support in ending the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners but to remember those who have died for their beliefs,” she wrote.
“Falun Gong is a peaceful practice based on self-improvement through teachings, meditation, and slow movements,” Congresswoman Holmes Norton continued. “Practitioners have suffered mercilessly at the hands of the Chinese government for over two decades. Reports of this persecution include detention, torture, and organ harvesting. The only crime of those who practice Falun Gong is to be born into a society of intolerance,” she wrote.
The United States was founded on fundamental rights including freedom of religion, speech, and due process under the law. “The Chinese government’s acts of suppression and violence are a reminder for Americans who take these rights for granted,” she added. “We must fight to raise awareness of those persecuted in China who cannot raise awareness themselves.”
In conclusion Congresswoman Holmes Norton wrote, “I stand in solidarity with the many Falun Gong practitioners who fight for the freedom to speak and practice the religion of their choice. I hear you, and I stand with you.”
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