Australia: Candlelight Vigil Held in Melbourne in Memory of Fellow Practitioners

On July 20th, 2009, more than one hundred Falun Gong practitioners from Melbourne held a candlelight vigil in memory of those who have been tortured to death during the 10-year long persecution.

Practitioners held photos of victims. During the last ten years, 3292 death cases of practitioners have been confirmed. They also played a documentary of their peaceful resistance against the persecution. Many citizens watched it and signed their names in support.

Signing names to support Falun Gong

Tyson Vidal, a young Australian, cried, "It is so sad. The persecution must be stopped." He took photos of practitioners and hugged them, saying, "I can feel your heart."

Many citizens expressed that people have right of belief. They accepted truth-clarifying materials.

In the morning, practitioners held banners in front of the Chinese Consulate, protesting the persecution. Many citizens expressed their support.

Background

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and free of charge. Its principles are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice began in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Its beneficial effects in uplifting an individual's physical health, spiritual well-being and moral character, not to mention its positive influence in the community and society as a whole, have been undeniable. In fact, Falun Gong is practiced by over 100 million people in 60 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.

On July 20th, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a brutal persecution of Falun Gong. Since the start of the persecution, Falun Gong practitioners throughout the world have been constantly speaking out about the truth of Falun Gong and exposing the CCP's crimes in a tireless effort to end the persecution.