Dublin, Ireland: Chinese People Learn About Ongoing Persecution by Chinese Regime

Falun Gong practitioners set up an information booth on Grafton street in downtown Dublin on September 23, 2023, to raise awareness of the ongoing persecution of their faith by the Chinese Communist regime. Tourists and local residents, including those from China, stopped to talk with practitioners on the busy shopping street.

University Student Learns About the Persecution

Ms. Wang from Shanghai stopped to see practitioners demonstrate the five sets of Falun Dafa exercises and listen to the music. She told a practitioner she was a student at a nearby university and had taken a course about Chinese culture. There, she learned about Falun Gong and how it originated from China and was based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. It was the first time she had heard of Falun Gong outside of China, and she wondered why what she learned in Ireland was different from the communist regime’s propaganda in China.

The practitioner explained to her that Falun Gong is a cultivation practice from the Buddha school and includes the five exercises. The practitioner also explained that the self-immolation incident on Tiananmen Square was staged. Ms. Wang then said, “Right, what you said is true.”

Ms. Wang also said that during the COVID outbreak, people in Shanghai suffered a lot, and that she often questions the illogical things happening in China. After talking with the practitioner, she said she planned to tell her parents what she had learned. Before leaving, she bowed to the practitioner and said, “I understand the facts about Falun Gong now. Thank you!”

China Would Have Less Chaos If Everyone Follows Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance

Ms. Guo from Jilin Province said she used to believe whatever the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) said. When she passed by the peaceful scene of practitioners doing the exercises, she decided to find out more about the practice and what the CCP had been doing to practitioners in China.

A practitioner told her, “Under the CCP’s rule, upright values in China are deteriorating. The suppression of Falun Gong that is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance has led to the loss of morality among Chinese.” Ms. Guo nodded in agreement and said, “If everyone followed Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, there would not be so much chaos in China.” Looking at the flier in her hand, she said she would read it when she got home.

Why Didn’t You Tell Me You’d Quit the CCP?

Two young men passed by the information booth. One of them said to a practitioner, “Don’t you remember me? We chatted for a long time last time, and you already helped me quit the CCP.” The practitioner answered, “I remember who you are. You have withdrawn from the CCP, but your friend hasn’t!” The young man said, “He’s not a Party member.” His friend said, “Why didn’t you tell me you renounced your membership? I’m a member of the CCP’s Youth League.” The practitioner said, “You should quit your membership too.” He said joyfully, “Yes, I will withdraw!” and told the practitioner his name. They left with fliers detailing information about Falun Gong.