Turkey: Calling for an End to the Persecution in Ankara

Falun Gong practitioners in Turkey held an activity on September 21, 2012 in the famous Kugulu [swan] Park in Ankara. They introduced local people to Falun Gong and raised awareness about the persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). They called upon the Turkish people to work together to help end the CCP's atrocities.

Practitioners demonstrate the Falun Gong exercises	Practitioners commemorate those who have died as a result of the persecution
People drawn to the candlelight vigil learn about Falun Gong	Several media reporters interview a Falun Gong practitioner (centre)

Kugulu Park, located in downtown Ankara, is so named because it is the year-round habitat for wild swans. Local people and tourists flock to the park all day to take a walk and watch the swans.

At dusk, practitioners unfolded a banner reading “Falun Dafa is Good” at a busy place in the park. Accompanied by peaceful music, they began demonstrating the Falun Gong exercises. Some practitioners passed out informational flyers to passersby.

After nightfall, practitioners held a candlelight vigil to mourn fellow practitioners who have died as a result of the persecution in China. The candlelight and practitioners' solemn and dignified expressions drew attention from many people. They stopped to inquire and take informational materials to find out more about Falun Gong and the persecution. People who have learned the facts expressed their indignation and condemned the CCP's persecution, especial the atrocity of harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners for profit.

Reporters and journalists from Turkey's well-known TV station Haber Turk, newspaper Sabah (ranked No. 2 in nationwide circulation), and other media outlets came to interview practitioners and cover the event.