August 25th 2007 was the day when the global torch relay arrived in Munich. The torch relay is to protest against the Olympic Games being held in Beijing when such terrible human rights abuses are happening there and among other issues demands the release of adherents of the peaceful meditation practice Falun Gong.
A United Nations report regarding torture revealed that 66% of torture victims in China are Falun Gong adherents. According to reports, these people are systematically murdered in Chinese slave labour camps for their organs, which are traded for economic profit in world markets. The torch relay is meant to put pressure on the Chinese Communist regime and bring hope to the people in China.
Dai Zhizhen, Falun Gong practitioner and persecution victim gave a speech at the Marienplatz (Maria Square):
“While staying in Munich I also visited the Dachau concentration camp. The entire world promised that such atrocities would never happen again. Yet, such a tragedy is happening in today’s China. Thousands of people are held in concentration camps and are in danger of losing their life. Every minute counts. Please be part of our effort to end this atrocity and at the same help save as many people as possible.”
Fourteen year old twins, Lisa and Sonja walk for a special cause:
“We heard about the torch relay while walking around on the Marienplatz. We will walk also, because this is for a good cause. People are being persecuted in China, just because they are Falun Gong practitioners.”
Martin from Munich is a sports fan:
“I think that the torch relay is an interesting combination of sports and politics. I hold quite an interest concerning human rights and politics and find it rather important to get involved in such efforts. The torch relay is an excellent opportunity to do something for human rights. Generally there are such few opportunities for this cause.”
Ulrike, a psychotherapist from Munich:
“I have been interested in Falun Gong for quite some time. I’m drawn to its spiritual component. I have read about it several times in newspapers, but did not quite understand what it represented. I received for the first time information during this relay. I see a parallel between the persecution of Tibetans, because of their spiritual belief and the persecution of Falun Gong. I’m glad to see the large Tibetan banner. I strongly believe that to the persecution of different people should be addressed at the same time. One should speak for an end of all persecutions at the same time and not separately.”
Ralf from Munich:
“When I became aware of the torch relay on the Marienplatz a few days ago, and I heard that it addresses human rights violations of Falun Gong practitioners, I was certain that I would participate. I already heard about the organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners in Saarbrucken.”
Frank, friend of a Falun Gong practitioner:
“I find it totally unacceptable that the Olympic Games are going to take place in China. It was very important for me to be present, because the more people are participating in the torch relay, the more people become aware of it and hopefully more and more people will become active in this cause. When my girlfriend handed me the flyer that asked, “What can I do?” I was certain that I would participate.”
Mr. Utz-Reiner Römer from the International Society for Human Rights in Cham
“In China there are so many cruel human rights violations that it is a pity not to participate in anything that addresses these atrocities. Therefore, many more people should walk for human rights. I traveled 100 miles by train, so people in Munich can be told about the human rights violations in China.
“One does not fulfill one’s duty to humanity if one knows about atrocities and ignores them. I support human rights!”
Mr. Römer also thinks that this information should be given to young people. Therefore, he gives presentations in junior high schools and high schools about human rights violations in China. He believes that most teachers do not have a good handle on the situation. The youngsters are generally very shocked and astonished, because they had never heard of this. Most of the time he will take a young Chinese lady from Shanghai with him when visiting schools because this throws even more light on the issue and leaves a stronger impression on the youngsters.
Andrea:
“I find it most awful that the Olympic Games are taking place in China. The Olympic Games embody the human rights spirit. They are for bringing people closer. Now, this spirit is being betrayed and sold, because politicians and people close their eyes and ignore the problem.”
Originally published in German at http://de.clearharmony.net/articles/200709/39526.html
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