Spain: Madrid Rally Calls For an End to the Persecution of Falun Gong

On the afternoon of July 18, 2009, Falun Going practitioners gathered at the Plaza Puerta del Sol in front of the Madrid City Hall. They held a rally to protest the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) brutal persecution of Falun Gong. They called for an end to the ten-year-long persecution.

Tourists and residents line up to sign a petition

Two people carefully left their signatures and contact information

At night, practitioners held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy in Spain to condemn the CCP's persecution and to mourn those who died as a result of torture

An official who worked for the city of Madrid was shocked after seeing the pictures and fliers. He told a practitioner, "Nowadays it's all about protecting human rights and freedom. How come there is such kind of government that persecutes its people?" The official signed the petition and told practitioners he would tell more people about the CCP's crimes.

A man came back the second time to sign the petition. He also signed on behalf of his wife, as she saw the flier about the persecution he brought home last time. She was angered by the fact that the CCP illegally removes Falun Gong practitioners' organs for profit. The man said that more signatures mean more power and he hoped the persecution could stop soon.

There was a service desk helping Chinese people to quit the CCP. Practitioners gave out free CDs and fliers to tell tourists from China what really happened in the persecution of Falun Gong. Eleven Chinese people quit the CCP right there after learning the facts.

At night, practitioners held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy in Madrid to mourn practitioners in China who died in the persecution as a result of torture. As the candles lit up in practitioners' hands and their light flickered in the summer breeze, it drew attention of many local residents. People came to ask for fliers and cars passing by honked to show their support.

Background

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practise, and free of charge. Its principles are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice began in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Its beneficial effects in uplifting an individual's physical health, spiritual well-being and moral character, not to mention its positive influence in the community and society as a whole, have been undeniable. In fact, Falun Gong is practised by over 100 million people in 110 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.

On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a brutal persecution of Falun Gong. Since the start of the persecution, Falun Gong practitioners throughout the world have been constantly speaking out about the truth of Falun Gong and exposing the CCP's crimes in a tireless effort to end the persecution.