(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners and supporters from throughout the United States held a rally, march, and candlelight vigil on the National Mall near Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on July 20, 2023, calling for an end to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution.

On July 20, 1999, Jiang Zemin, former head of the CCP, launched the persecution of Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa). This persecution has continued to this day, and for 24 years practitioners have peacefully exposed it.

Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recorded videos or sent letters of support to practitioners, condemning the CCP’s persecution and calling for it to end.

From left to right of the top row: Senator Ted Cruz, Senator John Boozman, and Rep. Stephen F. Lynch; From left to right of the bottom row: Rep. Thomas P. Tiffany and Rep. Lori Chavez-Deremer.

Senator Cruz: We Must Stand up When Facing Such Big Persecution

Senator Ted Cruz sent a video message

Senator Ted Cruz stated, “For more than two decades, the Chinese Communist Party has violated the human rights of those who practice Falun Gong. Thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been imprisoned, tortured and murdered by the CCP.

“They believe that they have the ability to commit these atrocities without repercussions and the world would remain silent. Unfortunately, far too often they have been proved right.”

He said his father was born in Cuba and knew the plight of people when religious belief is suppressed.

He continued, “In China, Falun Gong practitioners follow and practice their reliefs under the threat of persecution and death. The CCP’s hostility to religious liberty runs through communist countries. Tragically, it is a central tenet of their beliefs. In the face of such persecution and intolerance, we must stand together. Inaction is not acceptable. It is up to us to stand up for those being persecuted in China and make our voices heard.

“America has an obligation to uphold and promote the ability to practice faith free of hindrance. It is our duty to call out the CCP’s persecution and hold them accountable. I unequivocally denounce China’s inhumane treatment of Falun Gong practitioners. I am proud to stand with you.”

Senator John Boozman: Your Protesting the CCP’s Persecution Is a Perfect Example

Senator John Boozman and his letter

Senator John Boozman stated in his letter, “I welcome you to this year’s rally in support of ending the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of the Falun Gong. After the CCP banned the practice of Falun Gong 24 years ago, practitioners of this faith have been horrifically persecuted simply because their beliefs differ from those of the CCP. Because the CCP fears what it cannot control, it resorts to aggressive repression with the goal of marginalizing opposition and abolishing dissent.

“Your struggle continues to inspire all who respect freedom of religion, and, as I have said before, you have given hope and encouragement not only to Falun Gong practitioners who remain persecuted, but also to all other oppressed religious and ethnic groups around the world.

“Your experience is a perfect example as to why the United States must continue to be a leader in ending violence and tragic abuses of human rights, and condemn those who violate international law. Protecting and advancing religious freedom is an essential component of U.S. foreign policy, and we must use our influence to support those who advocate this fundamental tenet. The CCP should immediately end its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other religious and ethnic groups, and allow them to freely practice their beliefs.”

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch: We Call on China to Stop the Persecution of Falun Gong

Rep. Stephen F. Lynch and his letter

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch stated n his letter, “I am proud to join my fellow Members of Congress and all of you today to call on China to end its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and to respect the rights of all its citizens.

“There seems to be no end to the authoritarian Chinese regime’s brutal repression of its own people, of political dissidents, ethnic minorities or those who hold different religious or spiritual beliefs, including Falun Gong practitioners. Despite global pressure and the entreaties of its citizens, the Chinese Government’s appalling human rights abuses have only worsened. It continues to shamelessly engage in arbitrary arrests, torture and abuse its prisoners, conduct sham trials with no due process, and impose unreasonably harsh sentences. And credible reports still emerge of the appalling practice of organ harvesting.

“Unfortunately, the Chinese Government’s attempts at harassment and intimidation are not limited to within its borders. Just this past April, U.S. federal agents arrested two persons for operating a secret police station in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood and in Los Angeles that worked with Chinese police to pressure fugitives to return to China. And just a month later, the Department of Justice charged two persons in a scheme to bribe an undercover federal agent to strip the Falun Gong entity of its tax-exempt status. Such a lack of respect for its people and for the sovereignty of other nations is simply unacceptable, especially for a country seeking to be recognized as a world leader.

“So long as China tramples on the fundamental human rights of its people, the people of the United States will and must speak out.”

Congressman Thomas P. Tiffany: I Stand with Falun Gong Practitioners to End the Persecution

Congressman Thomas P. Tiffany and his letter

Congressman Thomas P. Tiffany stated in his letter, “It has been more than 20 years since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) first began their systematic crackdown on Falun Gong, subjecting its practitioners to criminal penalties, torture, arbitrary detention, and involuntary organ harvesting.

“Like you, I am deeply concerned about Beijing’s long record of persecution of religious minorities, political dissidents, artists, journalists, and human rights advocates.

“I join you today in calling for an end to human rights abuses and repression in China.”

Congresswoman Lori Chavez-Deremer: I Express My Support and Solidarity in Your Fight Against Oppression

Congresswoman Lori Chavez-Deremer and her letter

Congresswoman Lori Chavez-Deremer stated in her letter, “As you commemorate and reflect on 24 years of this campaign of persecution, I want to extend my sincerest support and express my solidarity in your fight against oppression.

“Similarly, I commend your efforts to bring attention to the CCP’s human rights violations which often go unnoticed, or even ignored. The stories I have heard of arbitrary detentions, torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced organ harvesting against Falun Gong practitioners are nothing short of heartbreaking and unfortunately just one example of the CCP's lack of recognition of basic human dignity.

“I look forward to the day when Falun Gong practitioners and all religious minorities in China can experience freedom of religion without fear of persecution. I appreciate the work you are doing to bring awareness to this ongoing tragedy and encourage you to remain steadfast in the struggle for freedom.”