(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners visited the city of Nitra in Slovakia, where they held a petition and information event on Štefánikova Street on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The city was particularly lively that day due to the Nitra Market (Nitriansky rínek), and many passersby stopped at the practitioners’ information booth.
Visitors watched the meditation and exercise demonstration with interest and learned about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 27-year-long persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Slovakian Falun Gong practitioners hold an event in Nitra on May 23, 2026. (Minghui.org)
“These Values Appeal to Every Reasonable Person”
Jaroslav Lorencovič from Nitra, a former government employee, came over to the booth to sign the petition to support an end to the persecution of Falun Gong.
Mr. Lorencovič said what had attracted him the most were the core principles of Falun Gong–Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. “I have identified with these values throughout my life. They are principles that no reasonable person could object to,” he said.
He had heard about the persecution of Falun Gong in China before, although only indirectly. After learning about the forced organ harvesting from wrongly imprisoned practitioners, he said such actions were inexcusable. “It is catastrophic and reprehensible. There can be no justification for it,” he said.
He offered a message of encouragement to the practitioners facing persecution in China, urging them to preserve their human dignity and persevere in defending their rights.
He recalled a well-known quote by Albert Einstein: “What a sad era when it is easier to smash an atom than a prejudice.”
“Let us not hold prejudices against anyone, and let us use common sense,” Mr. Lorencovič said.
Contributing Through a Signature
Lukáš Molčani, a doctoral student, also signed the petition. He explained that his main reason for signing was the CCP’s long-standing human rights violations.
“I know that China regularly violates human rights. If there is even a small way to help, I decided to contribute by adding my signature,” he said.
He said the values followed by Falun Gong practitioners—Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—are positive principles that he personally identifies with.
When asked whether these values could benefit today’s society, he replied without hesitation: “Definitely.”
“No One Should Be Persecuted for Their Beliefs”
A couple, Tomáš and Michaela, also signed the petition. Tomáš, who works in the IT sector, said that he had long been aware of human rights abuses in China that are affecting various groups of people.
“In my opinion, no one should be persecuted because of their faith or beliefs. If someone engages in a spiritual practice and strives to improve both body and mind, they should not be punished for it,” he said.
He also talked about the importance of faith and shared values in helping people withstand oppression. “Faith helps people persevere. Communities are united by shared values, and it is those values that give them the strength to face adversity,” he said.
Michaela, a hairdresser, pointed out that human rights violations should not be ignored, even in countries geographically distant from China.“If such things are overlooked, they can gradually spread elsewhere. There should be no place in today’s world for harming people, anywhere on Earth,” she said.
In her view, the principles of Falun Gong are values that everyone should strive to follow. “People today often lack compassion. I think that is one of the reasons why so many bad things happen in the world,” she said.
Tomáš encouraged those facing persecution in China to not give up and to continue standing up for their rights.
Michaela talked about turning the tables on the persecutors: “If they could experience it themselves and find themselves on the other side, they would very quickly reconsider their actions,” she said.
Banská Bystrica: Support from All Ages
One week later, on Saturday, May 30, Falun Gong practitioners visited Banská Bystrica, where they organized a petition event in SNP Square. Passersby stopped to read the displays, sign the petition, and express support for people in China who are being persecuted for their beliefs.
Event in Banska Bystrica on May 30, 2026 (Minghui.org)
A young student named Anmarie explained why she had signed the petition. “It’s horrible that these people are being persecuted and tortured. It’s good that you organize activities like this,” she said.
She said that all people deserve equal dignity, regardless of their beliefs. “We are all the same and should treat one another with respect,” she said.
She encouraged Falun Dafa practitioners to continue their spiritual practice. “It is encouraging for me as well. I am on your side,” she said.
Jozef, who works at a recycling center, said no one should ever be persecuted because of their beliefs. “It should not be happening,” he said. “If more people followed the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, the world would be a better place and people would be more at peace within themselves.”
He encouraged Falun Gong practitioners to remain steadfast despite the difficult circumstances. “They should continue if it brings them fulfillment. They should not let themselves be discouraged,” he said.
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