(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners held a rally in front of Chinese Consulate in Chicago on August 16, 2025. They did the exercises and raised awareness of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution and transnational repression by displaying banners, informational boards, collecting signatures, distributing flyers, and giving speeches. They also called on the public to work together to stop the brutal persecution.

At the rally, practitioners read letters sent from elected officials who expressed their support for Falun Gong practitioners’ efforts to expose the 26-year-long persecution and condemn the CCP’s transnational repression of Falun Gong. These included Senator Todd Young of Indiana, Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, Missouri Congressmen Sam Graves and Emanuel Cleaver II, Wisconsin Congressman Thomas Tiffany, and Indiana State Senator Lonnie Randolph.

The practitioners’ peaceful protest also won the support and appreciation of many local residents and tourists.

Rally in front of Chinese Consulate in Chicago on August 16, 2025 calling for an end to the CCP’s persecution

Demonstrating the Falun Gong exercises in front of the Chinese Consulate

Laura, a Falun Gong practitioner from Indiana, recalled experiencing the CCP’s transnational repression 25 years ago. The mayor of her city, who issued a proclamation for Falun Gong, was subjected to two weeks of harassment from the CCP, including phone calls, emails, and videotapes. The mayor finally responded to a phone call with a firm message: America is built on the foundation of religious freedom! The harassment finally ceased.

Laura, a practitioner from Indiana, said if CCP attacks on Falun Gong in the US are overlooked, they may target others as well.

Laura wished to let more people know the persecution, not just because Falun Gong practitioners are being persecuted. She said, “The CCP is infiltrating and manipulating our system. If they can target us now, then anyone the CCP deems disobedient could become the next target. Therefore, raising public awareness is crucial.”

A practitioner from Missouri, Marianne, said the CCP is using certain American media outlets to discredit Falun Gong with false and distorted information, misleading public opinion and creating a negative view of Falun Gong. She said, “If the public develops prejudice based on completely untrue negative reports, it’s inherently unfair to them.”

Marianne, a practitioner from Missouri said, “Such a good practice shouldn’t be attacked.”

Marianne believes she has a responsibility to help more people learn about Falun Gong. “Falun Gong is a truly wonderful practice that can improve health, elevate spiritual realm, and make people kinder, better family members and community members. Such a good practice shouldn’t be attacked.”

She said, “I believe we need to continue raising awareness of the persecution, especially the escalating transnational repression. We need to clarify the truth to everyone around us and write to elected officials to let them know what’s happening!”

Public Support to Falun Gong

Bria Dorsey and Navpreet Dhaliwal were dining at a nearby restaurant when they heard the peaceful music outside. Curious, they followed the sound and saw Falun Gong practitioners holding an activity in front of the Chinese Consulate.

Bria Dorsey (left) and Navpreet Dhaliwal (right) said they followed the music to the event.

After listening to practitioners explanation of Falun Gong and talking about the persecution, the two women immediately signed a petition calling for an end to the persecution. Bria praised the Falun Gong practitioners’ protest. Navpreet said, “Falun Gong’s principles are truly excellent!”

The Garcia family watched the rally for a long time, and said they were drawn by the practitioners’ peaceful meditation and the messages on the banners.

The Garcia family from left to right: son Derek, daughter Brittany, mother Natalie, and father Tony.

Daughter Brittney Garcia said, “This was such a peaceful protest.”

The mother Natalie said, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are so beautiful, yet they are being persecuted. It’s so unfair.” She said she wanted to learn the exercises.

The father Tony believes communism is extremely evil and told Falun Gong practitioners, “We support you wholeheartedly. I hope there is no communism in this world.” Natalie added, “We really support you. We wish you good luck!”

Brittney also said, “We will learn about the practice and spread the word.”

Ahbishek Jain and Aditya Ramesh, engineers who work in downtown Chicago, said they were drawn by the practitioners’ posters. They read them carefully and said they were interested in the protest.

Ahbishek Jain (left) and Aditya Ramesh support Falun Gong.

A practitioner further explained the practice and talked about the CCP’s persecution and forced organ harvesting.

Abhishek said, “The crime of live organ harvesting is horrific, and Falun Gong practitioners’ resistance to the persecution is a tremendous feat! This resistance is excellent. We’ve heard so much about the CCP’s evil, and we support you.”

They said they were interested in learning the Falun Gong exercises.

Bryan O’Donnell and Aaron Chalken signed the petition without hesitation. Bryan said, “I understand the nature of communism, so I’m not surprised at all that the CCP dares to commit the crime of live organ harvesting. It’s horrific.”

Vivian Sanchez and Silvia Rodriguez read the information on the displays and banners.

Vivian Sanchez (left) and Silvia Rodriguez said they wanted to help stop the persecution.

When they learned about the CCP’s persecution, they were shocked and signed the petition. Vivian said, “This is a horrific crime. We must act now to stop it.”

Silvia said she was interested in Falun Gong and wished to learn the exercises.