Ireland: March and Rally in Dublin Marks 25 Years of Persecution in China

(Minghui.org) The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Falun Dafa practitioners’ efforts to peacefully raise awareness of the persecution in China. On July 20, 2024, practitioners held a march and rally in Dublin to expose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution and to call on people from all walks of life to work together to end the persecution.

The march began at 3 p.m., and was led by police cars from the Garden of Remembrance along O’Connell Street, the main street in downtown Dublin. After the march arrived at the landmark Monument of Light, a rally was held.

Practitioners held a march in Dublin to expose the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and call on all sectors of society to help stop the persecution.

On the evening of July 19, the day before the rally, practitioners held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy to commemorate practitioners who lost their lives in the persecution.

“This Persecution Must Stop”

Mr. Liu, a Falun Gong practitioner representative addressed the rally, and described the crimes committed by the CCP against practitioners over the past 25 years. From frequent harassment at their homes and mass abductions, to torture, long-term detention, and even forced organ harvesting. He said all kinds of cruel methods are used just because this group of people adhere to their belief in Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance.

Mr. Liu demanded that the CCP stop persecuting Falun Gong and release all detained practitioners. He also called on all sectors of Irish society to lend a helping hand in support of kindness and work together to end persecution. “Twenty-five years is too long, and this persecution must stop.”

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is “The Cornerstones of Human Society”

Zhao Ming said that 25 years later, the persecution in China continues, but “the voice of justice in the international community is very strong.” Mr. Zhao believes that this is not only because the countries of the free world are becoming increasingly aware of the crimes committed by the CCP and its evil nature; it’s also because of the power of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance which he said are “universal concepts that are beneficial in any society, and this is the cornerstone of the existence of human society.”

Practitioners held a rally in downtown Dublin.

“We All Know Falun Gong Practitioners; They Are Very Peaceful”

A woman named Jenny passed by the practitioners before the march, and she encouraged them to persevere. Jenny said that the company she works for is near the Chinese Embassy, and she usually sees practitioners handing out leaflets and practicing the exercises near the entrance.

“I think they are all very peaceful, and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance of the Falun Gong faith are also very beautiful,” Jenny said. She told practitioners that when her colleagues chatted, they often mentioned Falun Gong practitioners outside the Chinese embassy and the persecution in China, “We all know Falun Gong practitioners, they are very peaceful.” She said she felt particularly sad that such a group of people were persecuted.

Jenny is saddened by the persecution.

Only Evil Is Afraid of Falun Gong

Helen, a tourist from Australia, saw the practitioners demonstrating the exercises and came to sign the petition. She said that in her hometown of Brisbane, she often sees practitioners doing the same thing, and she understands what Falun Gong is. “Why would a regime be afraid of such a group of people?” she asked, pointing to the practitioners who were demonstrating the exercises, “Look at them, this is a call for peace.” She said that only evil would be afraid of Falun Gong.

Helen believes that only evil can fear peaceful Falun Gong practitioners.

Catherina (right) and Paulina (left) believe that Falun Gong practitioners are using their lives to tell the world how serious this persecution is.

Local resident Tom said he’s heard about Falun Gong before. Tom said that not only in Ireland, but he’s also seen practitioners’ rallies in other countries. He felt that rallies were a good way to let more people know about the persecution in China and it gives people a chance to express their support, “A lot of people are concerned about this, but they don’t have the opportunity to make their voices heard.”

His wife praised Falun Gong as, “Peaceful” and beneficial to practitioners. She condemned the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong, saying that as long as it does no harm to others, everyone should have the right to practice something they feel good about.

Tom and his wife encouraged practitioners to continue exposing the persecution.

Rhonda said the persecution of practitioners is, “an absolute disgrace to humanity.”

After signing the petition, Alison told practitioners that she received a Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance little lotus flower before. She said it helped her through that difficult time. At that time, she had no house and was in a state of extreme anxiety, but now everything improved. She said that the little lotus flower of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is her favorite angel, which brings her positive energy. “I think little lotus flower is very helpful.”

She often posts positive messages on social media, and she encourages herself to help others. Before parting, she hoped to use her favorite words to encourage Chinese to persevere, “It will not be smooth every day, but something good always happens.”

Trish and Rory from the U.S., learned about Falun Gong and the persecution. After reading the information, they signed a petition to help end forced organ harvesting which targets Falun Gong practitioners. Trish thanked practitioners for giving them the opportunity to voice their support.