Radio Free Asia: Falun Gong Practitioners and Human Rights Organisations Hold Anti-Persecution Activities in Many European Cities

Falun Gong practitioners and human rights organisations in Germany and other major cities in Europe have held activities to commemorate the five year persecution of Falun Gong, urging people all over the world to oppose the torture and suppression by the Chinese Government. The report below is the summary of a broadcast by German reporter Tian Yi at Radio Free Asia:

The Brandenburg Gate in the German capital Berlin, located in the city centre, is a famous historical place of interest. During the cold war period, President Kennedy and Russian leaders gave speeches in front of the gate. When visiting Berlin, leaders of many countries symbolically walked through the Gate. Today, only Li Peng and other Chinese leaders are frightened of appearing at the Gate for fear of facing protests by the people. On a sunny Saturday July 17th, Falun Gong symbols and music were everywhere before the Gate. Berlin resident Miss Zheng Zhihong spoke to Tian Yi:

"Falun Gong practitioners from northern Germany are gathering here in front of the Gate, the symbol of Berlin, and holding an activity in order to tell people that on July 20th of this year, Falun Gong has been persecuted in China for exactly five years, and over a thousand Falun Gong practitioners have been tortured to death.”

She told the journalist about the activity: “Lots of activities are being held all over Germany today. There are Falun Gong practitioners’ appeals in big cities such as Munich, Hamburg etc. On July 20th, we are also going to hold activities in different cities. Furthermore, we are appealing to people all over the world to light a candle in front of their windows for the practitioners who are being continuously brutally persecuted, to tell them that people in the world care about them, supporting their firm refusal to give up their belief.

While people were looking at the exhibits in the square, Miss Zheng Zhihong said, “This year, we are holding torture exhibitions all over Germany. The aim is to give people here a chance to see what kind of persecution is taking place in China. Many people were shocked when they saw the three torture methods we are displaying, saying, ‘I can’t imagine that such brutal things are really happening in China!’"

According to the journalist, many different kinds of activities have been held in several cities in Europe including Paris, London, Stockholm and Brussels. The activities may last for a week in Europe, possibly reaching a climax at the end of next week.