Belgium: Tourists Condemn Brutal Persecution of Falun Dafa at Event Outside European Parliament

The day was bright and sunny with a hint of spring in the air on April 26, 2022 as Falun Dafa practitioners held activities outside the European Parliament in Brussels. They demonstrated the Dafa exercises and told people about the ongoing persecution in China, including forced organ harvesting, and called for an end to the atrocities.

The peaceful scene drew many tourists from various countries. They chatted with practitioners about the mind-body practice and many said that they supported the practitioners' efforts to expose the persecution.

Practitioners hold activities outside the European Parliament in Brussels on April 26, 2022, to tell people about the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa in China.	Passersby stopped to watch as Dafa practitioners did the exercises.

I Hope More People Will Know About Falun Gong
Federica Onnis is a reporter from Italy. She stood quietly observing practitioners as they did the exercises while shooting video footage. She told the Minghui correspondent that she did not know a lot about the practice. After reading some information about Falun Dafa, Ms. Onnis said, “I feel that it is important that Falun Dafa practitioners can express themselves and appeal in front of the European Parliament in ways like meditating.”

She said she works at the European Parliament and added, “I will speak to my agent about this. It is the ALA News Department in cooperation with the Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA). They are well-known in Italy, and if they are interested, perhaps I can use my video to publish an article on your activities today.”

ANSA reporter Federica Onnis said, “I can use my video to publish an article on Falun Dafa practitioners’ activities.”

Practitioners Should Not Be Persecuted
Jeanine Rodgers and Megan Vella are students from Malta studying journalism. When they learned about the forced organ harvesting of detained practitioners for huge profits in the transplant industry, they could not believe that something like that is happening in today’s world.

Jeanine watched as practitioners did the exercises. She said, “We just came out from the European Parliament. I think your exercise movements are simple, beautiful, solemn and should be respected, not persecuted.” She asked, “Why is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) targeting these cultivators? If they suppress such people, what else will they do? Will they silence people? In particular, Falun Dafa practitioners are so amazing sitting there meditating. I am watching them as we speak; I feel peaceful – this is great. I hope everyone can think about this and support you in opposing this persecution. I hope the European Parliament will hear your voices because this is what they should do.”

Her friend Megan said, “If something so peaceful like this is illegal [in China], then they [the CCP] could arrest anyone. As individuals, we have the right to practice meditation, and we have freedom to express our thoughts. Something as peaceful as this should not be illegal nor should it be persecuted.”

She added, “Falun Dafa should be promoted everywhere in the world, not only in China, but everywhere. From Brussels to Malta to the whole world. Such things (persecuting practitioners, organ harvesting) must never be allowed to happen.”

When asked what they thought of the principles taught by Falun Gong – Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, both women agreed, “These three words represent the spirit of humanity. It is also the basis of a happy life.”

The Best Gift for Humanity
Holding a brochure about Falun Dafa, Hillary said, “I think the whole world should stop this oppressive behavior, especially the forced organ harvesting.”

She feels that people should lead their lives according to their interests, like Falun Dafa. She said, “Not only in China, around the world, I dare to say Falun Dafa is wonderful.”

Hillary continued, “This is an excellent, healthy way! The best gift for humanity. No one should take this gift away!”

Thank You for Telling People the Truth
Another tourist commented, “I did not know about this serious matter, I am shocked. This is horrifying! The CCP takes organs from these living people simply because they [Falun Dafa practitioners] pursue a life that is correct.”

She added, “All of us have the right to live according to our values. Today, more than anytime, we need people who strive to follow values such as Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. Yes, the European Union should take action, stop organ harvesting. Not only the EU, as the human race, everything should start from us.” Before departing, she said she intends to find out more about the persecution.

Tourist Kishory Ram said, “Organ harvesting is terrible. Practitioners are simply following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. People should be allowed to do what they want; they should not be coerced.”	Angela Munzinte from Italy said, “Organ harvesting, this thing that is taking place in China, is terrifying. My heart aches for them [Falun Dafa practitioners].”

Eric Hoernicke passed by the practitioners’ event in the afternoon, and stopped to watch practitioners do the exercises. About the persecution he said, “I was shocked to hear this! This is something I’ve never heard of before. Of course, I heard about the genocide of the Uyghurs but I never heard of taking organs from Falun Dafa practitioners and selling them for profit. It is a good thing that you are here to expose organ harvesting in China and inform more people about the persecution.

Mr. Hoernicke said he had not heard of Falun Dafa before. When asked what he thought of the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance taught by the practice, he said, “I think these are remarkable, ideal ways to lead one’s life. I don’t know why anyone would prohibit this.”

Kenan works in an organization nearby. He came out for a stroll during his lunch break and stopped at the practitioners’ information booth. He said, “I did not know about this organ harvesting that is taking place in China. I am astonished that such things exist in today’s 21st century. I think it is an excellent idea that Falun Dafa practitioners use such events to transmit the truth and raise awareness about this, especially in the heart of the European Union in Brussels. I am grateful for their activities today. It will help people know the severity of the problem.” He took a flier and said he would read it carefully.

Carlo Heulens, a teacher (first on left) said, “I hope practitioners’ persistence will succeed.”

Carlo Heulens, a teacher, and his two coworkers stopped to watch practitioners do the exercises and learned about Falun Dafa. Mr. Heulens said, “First of all, as a Belgian citizen, we must express our support for their practice of Falun Dafa. Organ harvesting is wrong. This is not human behavior. I think the EU should vote to oppose this persecution. I hope the CCP understands: This is inhuman and must be changed. Therefore, I hope practitioners’ persistence will be successful.” He thanked practitioners for providing people with information on the persecution in front of the EU Parliament.

Matteo Tranier and his family of four from France were on holiday in Brussels. While touring the EU quarters they stopped and watched practitioners doing the exercises. When he learned about the organ harvesting, Mr. Tranier said, “This is a disgrace. Of course they [the EU] should stop this persecution. Organ harvesting is a terrible shame. The EU should step forward and condemn this.”