(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners held a rally, march, and candlelight vigil in Washington D.C. in July to continue raising awareness of the 25-year-long persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Numerous U.S. Congressional members sent videos or letters to Falun Gong practitioners before the event to show their support.
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Senator Risch: Holding the CCP Accountable
U.S. Senator Jim Risch
Jim Risch, U.S. Senator from Idaho and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote in his letter:
“I write to express my support for the people rallying today to call for an end to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) religious persecution of Falun Gong and its escalating crackdown on religious freedom.
“Falun Gong practitioners have long been a priority target of the CCP’s harassment and persecution both inside China and abroad. I commend their continuing work to publicize the CCP’s violations of internationally recognized human rights and circumvent Beijing’s efforts to silence its critics, often in the face of significant bullying and threats.
“Such efforts to raise awareness about the CCP’s heinous crimes are having an effect. Earlier this month, Idaho implemented a new law making it illegal for health insurers to cover an organ transplant or post-transplant care performed in China or any country known to have participated in forced organ harvesting.
“This is a good step. I have long been a strong advocate for the protection of internationally recognized human rights in China, and I will continue to work to hold the CCP accountable for its crimes.”
Senator Marshall: You Gave Me Hope and Encouragement
Senator Roger Marshall sent a video message to support Falun Gong practitioners.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas sent a video message:
“Peaceful practitioners have experienced some of the worst persecution mankind has ever known. The Chinese Communist Party routinely terrorizes Falun Gong followers, imprisoning and torturing them for nothing more than their beliefs. The atrocities they commit on their people shows just how truly evil and corrupt the CCP is. Not only are these practitioners targeted in China, but the CCP has expanded their persecution of Falun Gong nationwide in a transnational terror scheme. Their malicious attempt at eradicating an entire belief system and those who practice must immediately end.
“However, even after enduring these evil acts, Falun Gong practitioners persevere and focus on the beauties of China and the Chinese people. Shen Yun, the artistic arm of Falun Gong, does a marvelous job of painting the picture and telling the story of Falun Gong's mission. My wife Laina and I were so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of Shen Yun during a performance at the Kennedy Center last year. The strength these performers have to endure threats and never ending persecution, is symbolic of a spirit that cannot be broken.
“I want you all to know that you gave me hope and encouragement, and we pray you will keep the faith.”
Representative Luetkemeyer: We Must Stand in Solidarity with Falun Gong Practitioners
Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer
Blaine Luetkemeyer, U.S. Representative from Missouri, stated in his letter, “As a staunch advocate for freedom and democracy, I denounce in the strongest possible terms the CCP’s relentless human rights abuses, particularly against Falun Gong practitioners.” He stated that although Falun Gong practitioners used to hand out flyers in Hong Kong, this act is now “met with brutal repression under draconian laws meant to stifle dissent.
“As a defender of liberty, the CCP must be held accountable for its egregious human rights violations. We must stand in solidarity with the Falun Gong practitioners and all those who suffer under the oppressive regime in Beijing. The fight against communism and for the protection of democratic values and human rights is more crucial than ever,” the letter stated.
Representative Norton: Continuing Working on Falun Gong Protection Act
Letter from Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton
Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. Representative from Washington D.C., wrote in her letter:
“I write in support of Falun Gong practitioners and supporters in the District of Columbia and across the world who are working to end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.
“As a former assistant legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union, constitutional lawyer and a lifelong civil rights advocate, I take this moment not only to speak out against the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, but also to remember those who have died for their beliefs.
“Falun Gong is a peaceful religion that teaches self-improvement through meditation based on slow movements ... For over two decades, Falun Gong practitioners have suffered from forced detention, torture, and organ harvesting at the hands of the Chinese government. The only crime of those who practice Falun Gong is to be born into a society of intolerance.”
The letter continued, “The United States of America was founded on the conviction that individuals have fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, freedom of speech and due process under the law, and that the government cannot deprive its citizens of these fundamental rights. The Chinese government’s acts of suppression and violence are a reminder for Americans who take these rights for granted. We must work to preserve these freedoms both here and abroad. We must fight to raise awareness of those persecuted in China who cannot raise awareness themselves.
“On June 25, 2024, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4132, the Falun Gong Protection Act, which I strongly supported. I will continue to work with colleagues in the House and Senate to pass this bill.”
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