(Minghui.org) “After hearing the speech, I was deeply moved. Then I saw the petition table, so I came to sign to support the Falun Dafa practitioners.” “Seeing them standing in the pouring rain, I was very touched. I thought they must be doing this for something important, and I wanted to know what it was.”
These were some of the comments people made on the afternoon of July 26, 2025, during an event that Falun Dafa practitioners held in Zurich, Switzerland, at Zeughausplatz. Many passersby listened to the speeches, read the banners, and talked with practitioners.
Practitioners demonstrated the exercises and gave speeches to tell people about Falun Dafa (Falun Gong), and expose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution that began in 1999. They called on people to help stop the persecution that has gone on for 26 years. This was the first time for some people to hear about Falun Dafa. When they learned that practitioners in China are persecuted for believing in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and are subjected to torture, organ harvesting, and even killed, many signed the petition to support the practitioners’ efforts to end the persecution.
Practitioners demonstrate the exercises
People read the banners.
“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is So Wonderful—More People Should Follow It”
After Olga Smirnova, a medical professor from Moscow, learned about Falun Dafa, she strongly agreed with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and said, “These three principles are very important, especially for my students, the young people. For their future, they should know about these principles. When I return to Moscow, I will tell them.” Although she couldn’t fully express her feelings due to the language barrier, after she signed the petition she said, “Thank you so much for your important efforts. Your presence is very important.”
Yoga teacher Carmen Ableidinger was delighted to finally find Falun Dafa practitioners. As heavy rain beat against the tent, she shared how she first encountered Falun Dafa during a low point in her life while on vacation in Mallorca. “They looked so happy, so content. You don’t need to own much, but feeling fulfilled is very important.” She practiced with them for an hour and a half: “Wow, it felt amazing. It was so wonderful. After practicing, I felt balanced and fulfilled. I’m really happy and glad to have found Falun Dafa.”
She searched online until she finally found the Zurich practice site. “I’m so happy to have found you. It’s amazing. Thank you so much.” Looking at the words Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance on the banner, she read them aloud in Chinese and said, “Very, very good. These principles should guide more people’s lives with deeper understanding. Then we would have a peaceful world instead of a disastrous one with wars. This is so beautiful.” She asked to have her photo taken next to a banner and said she would share it on her social media.
The Persecution of Falun Dafa Is a Disaster
Practitioners call on people to help end the persecution.
Speaking about the CCP’s persecution, Carmen said, “This persecution is a disaster. This practice is so good. It makes people feel comfortable, joyful, free, and full of love. I believe the CCP banned it to make people negative. This practice is positive, but the CCP wants to do negative things. They are not interested in positive, creative people. They don’t care about life; they just persecute the people and plunder wealth.”
Retired lawyer Barbara Weber said after signing, “What the CCP is doing in China is horrible, no doubt about it. It’s a criminal system.” In regard to the CCP’s organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners, she commented, “Kidnappers or the mafia engaging in organ trafficking is bad, but at least you don’t expect them to change. But when a state—a government—does this, it’s unacceptable!
“This (organ harvesting) makes me angry and sad. I think this behavior is terrible,” said private tutor Ms. Scheibe after signing. “I strongly oppose communist dictatorships worldwide. They should not be allowed to violate people.”
More People Need to Know the Truth
People talk to practitioners and sign the petition to support Falun Gong.
Carmen hopes her signature “will encourage more people to sign. Don’t be afraid. One person might not have much power, but many people do. Our numbers far exceed those in power.” She added, “Many Chinese people are so friendly. I’ve met many friendly Chinese, and I feel sad that they are persecuted.”
Through signing, she hopes, “Chinese people can live freely, make their own decisions, and not live in a communist society—especially the young people, artists, and intellectuals. I don’t want them imprisoned or persecuted. I hope I can help, even a little. Together, our strength is great."
Elisabet said, “Everyone should sign to support stopping the persecution, shouldn’t they?” She said the CCP’s crime of organ harvesting is, “Horrifying. Many people go to China thinking they’re getting donated organs, but they’re not and they don’t know. This information must be told to everyone. I hope this helps.”
Robert Barral, a former bank employee, not only signed but also plans to tell more people. “Because this [opposing the persecution] is a good thing. At least more people will know. Without action, there’s no result. It’s very moving and very important. Otherwise, people forget or never know, making it hard to reach the goal of stopping the persecution.”
Tribute to Practitioners’ Perseverance and Dedication
Practitioners demonstrate exercises in the rain.
Many praised the practitioners for standing firm in the heavy rain that day. For 26 years, Falun Dafa practitioners worldwide have peacefully exposed the persecution, hoping to spread the facts and prevent people from being misled by the CCP’s lies. Many passersby expressed admiration upon hearing their stories.
“I know about the persecution in China. Practitioners have to hide from police—it’s terrible,” said Carmen. “I think they’re very brave because doing this takes great courage. In China, they could be imprisoned for a long time. They’re so courageous, and because of people like them, we can achieve our goals. For the next generation, having the courage to fight back is wonderful. I admire such people, including today’s practitioners here. Very, very good.” Before she left she added, “What’s happening in China makes me angry and sad, but we must keep hope.”
Geologist Lisa was amazed to learn that in some places practitioners have stood in front of Chinese embassies for years to spread the facts and call for an end to the persecution. “So powerful, so amazing! I offer my wholehearted respect to those who dedicate themselves to this every day. Their energy and strength are so strong. I give them my heartfelt tribute, full respect.” She wanted to tell practitioners in China: “Please let them know they are not alone. Even if we can’t help directly, they are not alone. This persecution must stop! It must end!”
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