(Minghui.org) Before World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2024, six German officials sent letters to Falun Dafa practitioners to pay tribute to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, and honor World Falun Dafa Day. They also praised practitioners for their firm belief in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution.
These dignitaries also wished German Falun Gong practitioners success in organizing activities to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day in Munich and offered their most sincere best wishes.
From left to right in the top row: Kerstin Celina, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament from the Greens; Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament from CDU; and Konrad Baur, Member of Bavarian State Parliament from CSUFrom left to right in the bottom row: Heiko Kasseckert, Member of Hesse State Parliament from CDU; Martina Feldmayer, Member of Hesse State Parliament from the Greens; and Miriam Dahlke, Member of Hesse State Parliament from the Greens
Video: Greetings from Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament from CDU
Michael Gahler said in his video greeting, “On the occasion of the 25th World Falun Dafa Day, I would like to extend my most sincere wishes to Munich [the celebration].
“The context of the speech is actually sad. Because this marks that the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government have systematically persecuted Falun Dafa disciples for a quarter of a century, systematically depriving them of their freedom of belief.
“As we all know, the European Parliament is committed to safeguarding human rights around the world and also to safeguarding freedom of belief in authoritarian countries. That is why I am once again expressing my support for you this year, as a democratic European Parliament should do.”
Letter from Heiko Kasseckert, Member of Hesse State Parliament from CDU
Heiko Kasseckert wrote, “On the occasion of World Falun Dafa Day, it is my great honor to extend my most sincere greetings to you. May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day. This day not only marks the spread and importance of Falun Dafa around the world, but this day also reminds us of the power and determination of those who firmly believe in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
“The 25th World Falun Dafa Day is an important milestone. The date not only highlights the practice’s benefits to millions around the world but also highlights the challenges and violence Falun Dafa practitioners face in China. I admire your courage and determination in exposing the truth and seeking justice.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong. His teachings and principles have brought hope and inspiration to millions. His spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who have benefited from Falun Dafa.
“May World Falun Dafa Day be a day of unity, reflection, and hope, and may this spirit be spread throughout the world.”
Letter from Konrad Baur, Member of Bavarian State Parliament from CSU.
Konrad Baur wrote, “Today, war, persecution, and human rights violations are more ubiquitous than ever before. Therefore, it is even more necessary to cultivate a culture of careful observation and attention to the destiny of individuals. Violence and escalation of violence must not become the norm just because of the influence of daily reports. Everyone’s life deserves protection and attention. Therefore, it is very important for me to point out and condemn the Chinese government’s persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners, which has been going on for more than two decades.
“On World Falun Dafa Day, we celebrated this festival in peaceful ways in Munich with parades, demonstrations of exercises, and information booths. At the same time, we told everyone that the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners has continued for 25 years. I support and stand in solidarity with all those who courageously and confidently stand up for their convictions and beliefs, whose sacrifice is a powerful symbol of the diversity of life in our society and the protection of human rights. Thank you very much to all Falun Dafa practitioners who participated in the event and wish you all the best!”
Letter from Kerstin Celina, Member of Bavarian State Parliament from the Greens
Kerstin Celina wrote, “Today is World Falun Dafa Day. This day reminds everyone of the violent persecution of Falun Gong launched by China 25 years ago. Since then, the Chinese Communist dictatorship has harassed, tortured, and murdered practitioners in alarming numbers simply for practicing Falun Gong. This behavior of the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] is a blatant and systematic violation of human rights. China [CCP] ignores international conventions and violates the norms of civilized society. Even under the influence of China’s huge economic power, these crimes must not be allowed to be downplayed and covered up due to opportunism.
“All persons have the right to decide freely, without restriction, whether and which religion to profess and whether and in what form to practice religion. We must finally end communist dictatorships’ longstanding disregard for religious freedom. It is good and important that Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock regularly discusses China’s human rights violations and calls on it to abide by international conventions.”
Letter from Martina Feldmayer and Miriam Dahlke, Members of Hesse State Parliament from the Greens.
The letter reads, “The principles you follow—Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—are respectable positive values. The persecution of you Falun Gong practitioners by China [the Chinese Communist Party] is unacceptable. All incidents that violate the human rights of Falun Gong practitioners, ban their practice, and persecute Falun Gong practitioners in China should be condemned. We will never give up hope for peace, democracy, and human rights.
“I wish you complete success in your rallies and marches to commemorate World Falun Dafa Day this year!”