(Clearwisdom Net) From November 8 through November 10, 2001, the Swedish governing party, the Social Democratic Party, held its annual meeting in Vasteras. Major leaders from other parties and many Social Democratic Party figures gathered there. The ballroom on the first floor of the conference hall was set up for the relevant activities.

At the invitation of the host, Falun Gong practitioners participated in the meeting. On the first day, the practitioners gave a demonstration of Falun Gong exercises and clarified the truth about the severe persecution of Falun Gong in China on two different large stages at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., respectively. Along with the graceful and harmonious melody, over a dozen practitioners peacefully presented Falun Gong exercises and embodied Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance to the government officials and guests. The people around the stage watched the demonstration and carefully read the materials given to them. Two of the practitioners spoke out on a microphone about what happened in China during the past two years and read a petition to the visiting body.

Swedish Vice Prime Minister Lena Hjelm Wallen, kindly stepped onto the stage and solemnly took the petition, then made a public statement, "It is not the first time that we have received a petition about Falun Gong. The persecution of Falun Gong is just one of the violations of human rights in China. The Swedish government has been approached more than once on the issue of the Chinese Government on different occasions. Your petition will allow us to place more emphasis on the seriousness of this issue!"

Her speech drew warm applause from the audience. We heard the voice from the hearts of the people. After the demonstration, the host presented flowers to all practitioners and said cordially, "Thanks to all of you!"