(Minghui.org) “In the face of imminent danger, Falun Gong practitioners have carried on the spirit of the 10,000 in the peaceful protest in Beijing 16 years ago. With their actions, they have validated the beauty and power of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” stated Lu Xuesong, an award-winning author from Jilin Province, through an audio recording at a Hong Kong rally on April 25.

On the occasion of the 16^th anniversary of Falun Gong practitioners' peaceful protest in Beijing, the rally in Kowloon celebrated dignity and freedom by commemorating two major events in modern Chinese history: the peaceful protest 16 years ago and a more recent milestone reached on April 14—200 million withdrawals from the Chinese communist organizations.

Leung Kwok-hung, member of the Legislative Council, said in his speech, “The persecution of Falun Gong is the persecution of all. The perpetrators will meet the same end as the former security chief Zhou Yongkang.”

In addition to multiple Hong Kong legislative council members, there were also voices of support from China, as several human rights activists from the mainland addressed the rally through audio recordings.

“The persecution of Falun Gong is anti-humanity. It is unacceptable! We shouldn't keep silent on this matter,” said Bao Tong, former policy secretary of Zhao Ziyang, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from 1987 to 1989, as he briefly recalled the happenings on April 25, 1999.

Zheng Enchong, a rights lawyer from Shanghai, said that more and more people will quit the Chinese communist organizations. “It is totally possible that the number of withdrawals from various channels will increase to 270 million, 20% of the 1.36 billion Chinese population.”

Several Hong Kong legislative council members spoke at the rally at Cheung Sha Wan Playground in Kowloon, Hong Kong, on April 25, 2015.

The event opens with performances from the Divine Land Marching Band.

The Perpetrators Will Be Brought to Justice

Kan Hung-Cheung, spokesperson for the Hong Kong Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) Association

Kan Hung-Cheung, spokesperson for the Hong Kong Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) Association, said that 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners staged a quiet demonstration outside of the State Council 16 years ago. The peaceful approach and rationality were highly praised by the international society.

After 16 years, it is clear that the CCP has brought about its own demise with the persecution, said Mr. Kan. As Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, and other masterminds of the persecution fall from power, Jiang Zemin, the then head of the CCP who launched the persecution, will also be brought to justice.

Mr. Kan urged more to join the movement of quitting the Party organizations, “At this critical historical juncture, only by knowing the truth and keeping our conscience can we obtain the protection from heavens and secure a bright future. The 200 million [who have quit the Party organizations] are leading the way. You should catch up, too!”

Theresa Chu, spokesperson for the Taiwan Falun Gong Human Rights Group, praised the kindness of volunteers who keep informing people the choice of quitting the Party. She called Hongkongers to support those who have the courage to break free from communist chains.

She also noted the change, “Many Chinese have come to understand and even admire the giving of Falun Gong practitioners. While initially skeptical, they are now passing on the facts of the persecution together with practitioners.”

“Reading Falun Gong display boards is more interesting than seeing the sights. This is the feedback we got from Chinese tourists,” said Ms. Hu, a Falun Gong practitioner who frequents the Golden Bauhinia Square, a major tourist site in Hong Kong, to clarify the truth about the persecution.

Dignity and Freedom Are Only Possible Without the Party

Leung Kwok-hung, member of the Legislative Council, stressed, “The persecution of Falun Gong is the persecution of all.”

James Hon Lin-shan, spokesperson for the League in Defense of Hong Kong's Freedom (lower left), Richard Tsoi Yiu-Cheong, deputy chairman of the Alliance (right), and Sai Kung district council member Mr. Lam Wing-yin (upper left) stated that Chinese people can only obtain freedom and dignity after the collapse of the Chinese Communist Party.

The so-called Hong Kong Youth Care Association (HKYCA, also known as the “Youth Care group”), a communist front group, has escalated its disruptions of Hong Kong practitioners' information sites. HKYCA also sent out people to create noise and interfere with the rally.

James Hon Lin-shan, spokesperson for the League in Defense of Hong Kong's Freedom, said that seeing the behaviors of the HKYCA, he firmly believes in the collapse of the CCP.

“Chinese people will not enjoy freedom or dignity, and Hong Kong will not have freedom, as long as the Party still exists,” Mr. Hon said. “Therefore, I support heaven's mandate of the CCP's collapse and support freedom of religions and belief.”

Richard Tsoi Yiu-Cheong, deputy chairman of the Alliance, said that the brutality of the CCP became clear after so many years of the persecution of Falun Gong. He stressed that only after the CCP's collapse will Chinese people enjoy dignity and harmony of various beliefs.

Sai Kung district council member Mr. Lam Wing-yin praised the withdrawals as a movement of spiritual awakening.

200 Million Withdrawals Speak for What Chinese People Want

Through audio and video recordings, legislative council members Lee Cheuk-yan, Wu Chi-wai, and Albert Chan Wai-yip stated their views that the 200 million withdrawals speak for what Chinese people want.

“The Chinese Communist Party steals organs from Falun Gong practitioners and even kills them for their organs. Such cases have caused deep concern from governments and organizations. We believe that a government that suppresses its own people with violence and lies will eventually lose the support of people. The Party will not have a good end,” said council member Chan.

A march followed the rally. Practitioners departed from the Cheung Sha Wan Playground, passed through busy areas in Kowloon, and ended at the Tsim Sha Tsui pier. The music of Divine Land Marching Band, waist drum performance, and colorful flags attracted many spectators, locals and tourists alike.