Australia: Falun Gong Practitioners Commemorate "4/25" Anniversary in Sydney

On the morning of April 25th, 2009, Falun Gong practitioners from Sydney gathered at Belmore Park to do the exercises and commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the "4/25" appeal. The practice session was followed by a press conference calling for an end to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong.

Practitioners performing the exercises in downtown Sydney

Falun Dafa Association representative Mr. Li said during the press conference that overseas Dafa practitioners have never stopped their efforts to expose the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong. He pointed out that during the persecution of Falun Gong, the CCP has ignored any semblance of morality and placed itself on a path of destruction.

He further added that in the face of the CCP's brutal persecution and killing, Falun Gong practitioners have been clarifying the truth to people who have been deceived by the CCP's lies. Practitioners have sown the seeds of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance into people's hearts, paving the way for a revival of morality.

Associate Professor Li Yuanhua (Beijing Teachers University) and his parents

Resisting Persecution with Solid Faith and Rationality

Former Associate Professor Li Yuanhua and his parents are from Beijing. Ten years ago on April 25th, they took part in the peaceful appeals. He recalled, "On April 11th, 1999, He Juoxiu wrote an article in a magazine that smeared Falun Gong. After the article was published, some Falun Gong practitioners considered it necessary to explain the facts, expecting to eliminate this bad influence by means of a formal complaint. In order to achieve this end, some practitioners went to Tianjin Education College and others involved in publishing the article to clarify the truth on this issue.

"Unexpectedly, the CCP seized the opportunity to arrest people. Police struck and injured the practitioners, and arrested 45 of them. We felt that the situation was serious and didn't want to make matters worse. We were told that the Central Government would be the place to resolve this issue. For this reason, the three of us went to the appeals office in Beijing.

"There weren't many people around at 5:00 a.m. when we arrived at Fuyou Street. Later on, more and more people gathered. Although many people were there, everything was in proper order - people were quietly waiting in line, exhibiting civilised behaviour. Some were reading Zhuan Falun, while others were practising the Falun Gong exercises. Practitioners occupied less than half of the sidewalk so that they wouldn't interfere with other pedestrians."

"At this time, practitioners made three requests: (1) Unconditionally release of the arrested practitioners; (2) Allow Dafa books to be legally published; (3) Permit practitioners a free environment for practising Falun Gong. The atmosphere on that day was very peaceful.

"Before long, some people went in for a meeting. At about 9:00 p.m., our representatives returned and reported that the Premier had ordered the release of the arrested practitioners, that the Central Government would not interfere with the policy of free cultivation practice, and that if any additional issues arose, to get in touch with the appeals office. Everyone present saw that the problems were basically resolved, so we left."

The Police Asked for Zhuan Falun

Li Yuanhua's mother, Yao Yuefang, said, "Previously, I had several illnesses that needed a large drawer filled with medication, and I was nearly disabled. After practising Falun Gong, the illnesses were eliminated, and even my mental acuity improved.

"I've experienced many things and have seen enough of the CCP giving people a hard time, but there's nothing wrong with appealing for the rights of Falun Gong, asking for the right to be compassionate, and cultivating our hearts and minds righteously.

"On April 25th, the police were nervous about seeing so many practitioners, so we talked to them peacefully and with kindness, explaining how we benefitted from practising Falun Gong and why we were there. Later on, some of the officers were moved by our words and actions, and some even asked for copies of Zhuan Falun."

She continued, "Even though many years have passed, I still remember that day clearly. The Dafa practitioners' peaceful appeals were a manifestation of a practitioner's spirit of great compassion and forbearance."