(Minghui.org) Practitioners from eleven states in the Midwest US held a rally outside the Chinese Consulate in Chicago on the afternoon of August 29, 2026 to call on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to end the 27-year long persecution of Falun Dafa (Falun Gong).

They did the exercises and displayed banners with messages such as “Falun Dafa is Good,” and “Stop Persecuting Falun Gong.” Many passersby stopped to read the information or to chat with practitioners while others signed the petition to call for an end to the human rights abuses.

Practitioners from Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and other states spoke at the rally. They read letters of support received from several elected officials who condemned the persecution that has gone on for 27 years. The letters of support came from elected officials including Michigan Representative Jack Bergman, Wisconsin Representative Thomas Tiffany, Illinois Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock, and Missouri Representatives Emanuel Cleaver II, Sam Graves, and Jason Smith. They expressed support for practitioners’ protest against the persecution and condemned the Chinese regime’s transnational repression.

Practitioners rallied near the Chinese Consulate in Chicago on August 29, 2026 to call on the CCP to end the 27-year long persecution of Falun Gong. (Minghui.org)

I Have an Obligation to Speak Out

Mr. Jiang from Missouri goes to the Chinese Consulate every year to participate in the peaceful protests. He said, “It is difficult for Falun Gong practitioners in China who are persecuted by the CCP to speak out. I’m here in the free world, so I have an obligation to let people know the truth about the persecution.”

Mr. Jiang began practicing Falun Gong in 1997. His father also practiced. After the persecution began in 1999, his father was detained for going to Beijing to appeal for Falun Gong. Soon afterward he passed away. Mr. Jiang was subsequently sent to 3 years in a forced labor camp because he appealed.

This experience made him cherish the opportunity to speak out freely after he left China. He recalled that when he was persecuted in China, practitioners outside China called the local police to ask them to stop persecuting practitioners. Mr. Jiang said, “I feel that every time I step out is a powerful deterrent against this evil. We must let people know that practitioners who conduct themselves according to Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance should not be persecuted.”

Ms. Luo was 19 years old when she was arrested for practicing Falun Gong. She said the police took off her clothes and put handcuffs on her and her mother. As a young woman, she could not understand the sudden violence. She said, “I don’t understand how society can become like this. What’s wrong with wanting to be a good person?” She said she and her mother were persecuted, yet these experiences did not make her give up her belief. She said, “Holding on to one’s conscience is the most basic bottom line of a human being.”

Ms. Xu from Michigan said she was concerned because the CCP extended the persecution overseas. She said Falun Gong is based on the principles Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, “The CCP exports hatred, and carries out transnational repression. This endangers the whole world.” She hopes more people will learn about the transnational repression that is taking place and they help end the persecution.

People Sign Petition to Help End the Persecution

Many passersby stopped to listen to the rally. This was the first time some heard of the persecution of Falun Gong while the peaceful protest left a deep impression on others. Many people signed the petition to show their support for practitioners after learning of the atrocities they are subjected to.

Andreina Hernandez from Venezuela now lives in Indiana and was visiting Chicago with her daughter. She said, “Communism is terrible. It is the worst thing in this world. This protest is perfect. It will help the whole world see clearly the true nature of communism. It will make more people aware of what is now happening in China.”

She continued, “The principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are wonderful. We need more tolerance and patience.” She encouraged practitioners to continue their efforts to let more people know of these beautiful principles. She signed the petition to support Falun Gong.

Andreina Hernandez (right) signed the petition to show her support after learning about the persecution. (Minghui.org)

London Sartin and Zamiyah Mach also signed the petition to stop the persecution. After learning how practitioners are tortured for their faith, London was shocked, and said, “Why are they tortured for simply practicing meditation? This is crazy!”

Zamiyah praised Falun Gong practitioners “for working hard to do a meaningful thing. They are fighting for peace,” she said. “I’ve never seen such a peaceful protest. I really admire everything they do here. The principles Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance are admirable.”

London Sartin (left) and Zamiyah Mach (right) signed the petition to call for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong. (Minghui.org)

Brendan Montufar and Ahlal Derin also expressed their support. Brendan said, “Great protest! The things you [Falun Gong practitioners] do are remarkable!” Ahlal told practitioners, “We support you! We never heard of this persecution before, so we are shocked to hear about this.” She added, “We support you.”

Brendan Montufar and Ahlal Derin said they support Falun Gong practitioners in protesting against the persecution. (Minghui.org)

The tranquil group exercises also made a deep impression on people who passed by the area. Donnie Tae said the exercises and music made him feel at peace, “Just watching them do the exercises, I can feel that sense of peace.”

Donnie Tae said seeing practitioners do the exercises and the music made him feel calm and at peace. (Minghui.org)

Rory Williams lives near the Chinese consulate and said he often sees practitioners holding activities there and he’s always wondered why. This time he finally had a chance to talk with practitioners. When he learned about the Falun Gong Protection Act in the US Senate, he immediately said, “I support this bill!”

Rory Williams said he supports the Falun Gong Protection Act and hopes the US Senate passes it. (Minghui.org)