By a practitioner from Chicago
(Clearwisdom.net) On July 20, Falun Gong practitioners from Chicago held a rally in front of the Chinese Consulate in memory of those who were tortured to death during the 10-year long persecution.
Candlelight vigil
Dr. Liu Yi reads a statement
Mr. Zheng gives account of the persecution that he suffered
Mr. Zheng from Anhui Province was jailed in China for practicing Falun Gong. He said that he has benefited from Falun Gong, but policemen forced him to claim that Falun Gong had harmed him. Policemen poked cigarettes into his nose and hung him up with his feet barely touching the ground.
Ms. Li Yanfang, a former student at Qinghua University and a Falun Gong practitioner, was jailed in China for five years. She said that she was forced to do heavy labor while in jail.
Practitioner Yang Sen is interviewed
Yang Sen, a representative of the Midwest Falun Dafa Association, expressed that Falun Gong practitioners' strong belief is deeply rooted in their hearts, and nothing can take it away. He said, "We won't give up no matter how long the persecution goes on. Throughout history, no persecution of any religion or spiritual belief has ultimately succeeded."
PBS in Chicago, Getty Images, and several local media covered the event.
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, mental, and spiritual health, 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 over 110 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.
On July 20, 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.
