France: Raising Awareness about Human Rights Abuses Against Falun Gong in Front of Parc de la Villette in Paris

On the 8th of October 2005, Falun Gong practitioners in France held an activity to raise awareness about the persecution at Parc de la Villette. The park is located in the 19th district of Paris. Because Theatre Paris-Villette, Citi De la Musique, Citi Des Sciences and the famous Jennett Music Hall are all located in this large park, a lot of people visit there every day.

The activity was held across the park where there were a lot of pedestrians. Many people came to find out more about Falun Gong and signed the petition objecting to the illegal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party. Some Chinese people not only took leaflets but also signed the petition to express support for Falun Gong and created a bright future for themselves. In the past many Chinese people have not done this because they are afraid that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will persecute them when they return to China.

Some French people who just came back from New York told practitioners they had seen Falun Gong activities in New York and showed their support. Some people said angrily after having heard about the persecution: "I object to the Chinese Communist Party and all persecution. I support you!"

Other people showed sympathy for Falun Gong practitioners and a deep concern for the CCP’s human rights abuses. Among them were a couple who came to understand the truth. The husband was too touched to say a word after having seen the poster exhibition boards and he almost shed tears. His wife said: "It is mankind's brightest hope to pursue physical and mental health, and it is the most basic human right." Then they both wrote their names on the petition.

During the activity, a reporter and documentary film maker conducted an interview with practitioners. They suggested that this interview will be part of a documentary featuring in next year’s Paris International Human Rights Movie & TV Festival.