(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Scotland held a peaceful protest in front of the Chinese Consulate in Edinburgh on July 12, 2024. They condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 25-year persecution of Falun Gong and called on the public to help stop the CCP’s organ harvesting from living practitioners. The event was supported by the Scottish police and the public. Before the event, Scottish officials and MPs sent letters to express support for Falun Gong practitioners’ efforts to end the persecution.
Peaceful protest in front of the Chinese consulate by Falun Gong practitioners
Support from Scottish Politicians and MPs
Scottish officials and Scottish members of the British Parliament sent letters of support to the Falun Dafa Association of UK in early July this year.
Scottish MP, Ian Murray, wrote in his letter that he remained deeply concerned about the persecution of people for their religious beliefs. The London China Tribunal has ruled that China has committed years of organ harvesting, with Falun Gong practitioners and the Uighurs being the main victims.
He stated that he would encourage the new UK government to inquire further with the Chinese authorities regarding this issue. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of the ongoing examination of any newly presented evidence. Furthermore, he expressed his intention to join the new government in urging the World Health Organization to provide a clear response to the findings from the Chinese tribunal and to conduct an appropriate independent assessment.
Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in Scotland, wrote that the Scottish Government is deeply concerned about the persecution of religious beliefs, which undermines freedom of religious belief. The Scottish Government Ministers will continue to question China. He also believed that systematic, state-sponsored organ harvesting would constitute a serious violation of human rights.
Support from Scottish Police
Usually, the protest at the Chinese Consulate is held on a small street where there are only a few people and a few cars. After the contact person for the Scotland Police learned about Falun Gong and the persecution, he agreed to the practitioners’ suggestions and changed the location of the event to the side of a busy main road.
On the day of the event, two police officers protected the practitioners throughout the event to ensure that the protest would not be interfered with by the Chinese Consulate.
At the end of the event, they told the practitioners: “Protesting is your right, and you have been peaceful and friendly. Passing vehicles have also honked their horns to support you. We wish you good luck.”
People Agree with the Principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance
Ms. Laura was attracted to the peaceful exercises demonstrated by the practitioners. She agreed with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and not only signed the petition in support of ending the persecution, she also decided to go to a local practice site to learn the exercises.
Another Scottish lady came to sign the petition. She said that she learned about Falun Gong when she was living in Hong Kong. She said that the principles are very good values and she wanted to help stop the CCP’s persecution of such kind people.
Rudewei Lim believes that “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are the inner morals that people should possess.”
Rudewei Lim is a British-born Turkish woman who works at a hotel across from the protest. The banners held up by the practitioners printed in both English and Chinese: “Can you remain silent in the face of the CCP’s organ harvesting?” She was shocked by this information, and stopped by after work to learn about the persecution in detail. She signed the petition and said: “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are the inner morals that people should possess. I hope you can be strong and persevere.”
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Category: July 20 Events
