(Minghui.org) To mark the 25th anniversary of the persecution, Falun Gong practitioners held a rally near the Chinese Embassy in Paris on July 13, 2024. They demonstrated the five exercises and introduced the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. They also exposed the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) crimes of organ harvesting, prompting many people to sign the petition to call for an end to the atrocities.
A rally was held near the Chinese Embassy in Paris on July 13, 2024 to mark the 25th anniversary of the persecution.
Passersby chatted with practitioners and signed the petition to call for an end to the persecution in China.
Former French Minister Censures CCP for Persecuting Falun Gong for 25 Years
Ms. Francoise Hostalier, former French education minister, sent a letter of support on the day of the rally. She wrote, “In the past quarter of a century, I continued to support you at National Assembly meetings and debate, questioning re-elected governments, taking part in public protests as well as other measures to call for public attention to China’s crimes against humanity.
“Falun Gong practitioners are deemed top enemies of the country by the CCP because they practice a peaceful meditation. They are politically suppressed because their numbers made the government start to fear their peaceful power. This turned what should have been support to brutal suppression. Dictators often see everyone as a threat through their narrow minded perspective.”
Ms. Francoise Hostalier, former education minister, sent a letter expressing her support for Falun Gong.
She also mentioned the resolution passed by the EU: “Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners were unreasonably detained in labor camps, becoming the main victims of organ harvesting conducted by the military and civilian hospitals. These are such shocking, brutal acts!”
“Last year in January, the EU passed a resolution condemning this persecution and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. I agree with this action and on this painful anniversary, I once again strongly censure the Chinese government for its inhuman persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. I hope this bloody massacre will end soon and the perpetrators punished by law.”
Former Member of Parliament: I Firmly Support Falun Gong Practitioners
Ms. Frédérique Dumas, former Member of National Assembly, wrote in her letter, “I would like to express my firm support for your fight for human rights in China, in particular on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the CCP’s persecution.”
Ms. Frédérique Dumas, former Member of National Assembly
“When I was Member of the National Assembly, I continued to work hard speaking out for those who are systematically suppressed in China. I put forward a legislation to stop France from directly taking part in organ harvesting that has been widely recorded and substantiated. I submitted written inquiries to the government on many occasions, reminding them to pay attention to the brutal acts happening in China and ask that they take action. My goal was to encourage our organization to actively take part in ending these shocking crimes. Such measures helped me successfully unite over 70 Members of Parliament to support this legislation, showing our common determination. I must eradicate these brutal acts and lead by example, support your efforts and pave a way for the end of the persecution.
“The EU has also passed several resolutions to demand that the CCP stop this bloody persecution. As a former Member of Parliament, I totally support such appeals. I sincerely hope these crimes will stop forever, justice will prevail and the criminals be sent to trial in international courts.
“I hope you forge ahead courageously in this noble fight for human rights. Let us continue to work hand in hand to safeguard Falun Gong practitioners in China and spread their voice to all parts of the world.”
President of Falun Dafa Association: We Call On the French Government to Censure This Persecution
Mr. Tang Hanlong, President of the Falun Dafa Association, said in his speech at the rally, “In the past 25 years, according to reliable statistics from Minghui.org, at least 5,088 Falun Gong practitioners died from the persecution. The actual number may be higher due to (the CCP’s) strict censorship. Hundreds of thousands of practitioners were unreasonably detained in forced labor camps and brainwashing centers. Through military and civilian hospitals, the Chinese government carried out large scale removal and sale of organs, treating Falun Gong practitioners as a live organ bank.
“Last year, the EU passed a resolution censuring this persecution and called for the criminals to be brought to justice. Today, we stand here to remind people, our fight for justice and human rights cannot stop.
“Let’s not forget, the story of Falun Gong in France started on a positive chapter. In March 1995, the founder Mr. Li Hongzhi was invited by the Chinese Embassy in Paris to hold a lecture. Around 350 people, including embassy staff and representatives from Chinese community groups, experienced the benefits of the practice.
“Today, we urge President Emmanuel Macron to pay attention to these suggestions and convey these concerns to President Xi Jinping. As the birthplace of human rights, France has the responsibility to oppose such brutal persecution with firm action and become an exemplary model.
“We also hope the new French government can abide by this EU resolution, and take concrete action to stop such inhuman ways.”
Public Respect and Support for Practitioners
Mr. Bernard Genel is an expert in digestive system diseases who previously worked in a hospital in New Caledonia, a French territory. His wife Marilyn Genel was a nurse. The couple moved to Paris after they retired.
Mr. Genel said, “We signed the petition because forced organ harvesting is completely against human values upheld by Western countries. We hope to stop forced organ harvesting, such actions should not be tolerated.”
Mrs. Genel said, “I share the same opinion as my husband—that’s why I signed the petition. We just learned such a thing exists, it is horrifying! It is still happening. This goes against our values. I support their public protests, it can get people to pay attention to these brutalities.”
Ms. Nora stopped at the rally for a long time and quietly listened as practitioners explained the persecution to her.
She said, “I saw them hold a similar event at the Paris Theatre Square (La Place de l'Opéra, Paris). These people are suffering.”
She said after signing the petition to call for an end to organ harvesting, “A government is trading in organs. This is serious. Yet such a thing has been going on for many years. We cannot agree to this. It’s too cruel, and therefore I signed the petition!”
Many people said they felt the pure energy field and the tranquility of the exercise music. A woman took out her mobile phone, took photos of practitioners from across the street and said, with her hand on her heart, “This is so moving!”
Two women who went to the church next door also took photos from across the street. One of them exclaimed, “My God! This is what people are talking about – organ harvesting!” The women said, “It’s crucial to expose the truth. Thank you for telling us this. What’s remarkable is, they expose this in such peaceful way!”
New Practitioner Shares the Benefits of Falun Gong
Mr. Jacques has practiced Falun Gong for one year. He used to be a yoga teacher and began practicing Falun Dafa after he heard of it in 2023. He said, “This is what I’m looking for. I continuously felt improvement in my physical and mental well being because Falun Dafa truly puts Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance at the core of cultivation. More importantly, I had a deep understanding of the meaning of life, I have the desire to become a better me every day.”
Jacques, a new practitioner, introduces Falun Gong to people and collects signatures on a petition to end the persecution.
He also spoke of what motivates him to go to the streets to tell people about the practice. “Due to the wonderful experience I had after practicing Falun Dafa, I wanted to spread the beauty of the practice to people around me and hope Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance will become the core of their life.”
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Category: Rallies & Protests
