(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners held truth-clarification events in Marseille, Cannes, Antibes, Fréjus, Nice, Toulon, and Menton, in southeastern France from August 12 to 17, 2025. They introduced Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa) and told people about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 26-year long persecution. They also collected signatures on a petition calling for an end to the CCP’s persecution and its transnational repression.

Practitioners were welcomed by residents and tourists. Drawn by banners and informational displays, many people talked with practitioners and said they were disgusted by the CCP’s persecution, but were moved by practitioners’ compassion.

Practitioners held an event in Marseille on August 12.

Marseille is France’s second-largest city. Practitioners held an Information Day event at Place General Charles de Gaulle in Marseille on August 12.

This was the first time Nino and Louise from Marseille heard about the CCP’s persecution. Nino is a chef and production manager, while Louise is pursuing a degree in psychology. They were already aware of the CCP’s persecution of Uyghurs and dissidents. They encouraged Falun Gong practitioners to continue their efforts and “hold demonstrations, and raise awareness.” They said it was crucial to draw more attention to what was happening in China.

Activities in Cannes on August 13

Cannes is renowned for its international film festival. Denis Defete, who has lived in Cannes for 30 years, said this was the first time he'd ever heard about the CCP’s persecution. He believes that the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong is a crime against humanity, and that other countries must take action otherwise they are complicit.

To stop these crimes, Denis believes, “Everyone must unite and spread this message through media outlets around the world. When we express our opposition to these actions and everyone unites, we can achieve our goals.”

Event at Places des Martyrs de la Résistance in Antibes on August 14

Raising awareness in Fréjus on August 14

Practitioners held an event and collected signatures in front of the Nice courthouse on August 15.

Raising awareness and collecting signatures at Place Masséna in Nice on August 15

Michel Lachapelle, 75, has lived in Nice his entire life and said he was appalled when he heard about the persecution of Falun Gong. “There are terrible things happening in China, and the situation is truly serious. Selecting people for organ harvesting is horrific.” He also said it was dangerous to remain silent in the face of such a severe humanitarian disaster. “If no one speaks out, if no one takes to the streets, it’s horrific. Everyone should know about this, people should wake up, and at least express their disgust [about the forced organ harvesting].”

Michel believes that it’s important for Falun Gong practitioners to hold truth clarifying events, “This is great, because it’s a cause truly worth supporting.”

Benoît has spent many years researching physics. After he had a long conversation with a practitioner and learned why the CCP persecutes people of faith, particularly Falun Gong practitioners, he signed the petition. He said he’s always been interested in spiritual cultivation methods and practices.

Regine, a long-time Nice resident, strongly condemned the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong: “It’s a horrible crime.” She encouraged practitioners to continue holding events to tell people about the persecution so it will receive more attention from the media.

Michel and his wife, Jeanne-Claude who are medical researchers also live in Nice. They said, “Signing was a natural decision, no scientific justification was needed.”

Practitioners introduce Falun Gong and collect signatures at Quai Bonaparte in Menton on August 16.

Melanie, who lives in Monaco, talked to practitioners while she was strolling in Menton. She said she attended a Shen Yun performance in Paris few years ago and learned about Falun Gong and the persecution. She was glad to sign the petition.

Practitioners collect signatures at Place Louis Blanc in Toulon on August 17.