(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners held a rally and parade in Helsinki on July 15 2023, to expose the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong, to mourn their fellow practitioners who’ve died as a result of the persecution, and to call for an end to the persecution and the CCP itself.
Falun Gong practitioners rally in front of Parliament Hall in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, on July 15.
Political Leaders Express Their Support
Honorable Satu Hassi, Member of the European Parliament and former Member of the Finnish Parliament, wrote a letter of support, condemning the persecution of Falun Gong and the harvesting of organs from living Falun Gong practitioners for the transplant industry.
Honorable Satu Hassi, Member of European Parliament and former Member of the Finnish Parliament
Ms. Hassi said in her letter that the persecution of Falun Gong that has gone on for over 20 years is one of the worst violations of human rights in contemporary times. She noted that the world has begun to pay attention to the CCP’s oppression of the Uyghurs, but she thinks that the persecution of Falun Gong is also worthy of attention and condemnation because its practitioners are being killed because of the transplant trade.
Honorable Merja Kyllönen, Member of Parliament of Finland and former Member of the European Parliament.
Ms. Kyllönen wrote: “July 20 1999, was the day the persecution of Falun Gong began. This year marks the 24th year that China [the CCP] has carried out its persecution. Forced labor, torture, human trafficking. Human rights must never be a commodity, and we must not turn a blind eye or remain silent in the face of persecution, be it near or far.”
At the end she wrote, “We must continue to work together to end the persecution. Everyone can do one’s part, and everyone needs help. We must not remain silent. We must persevere together, even for those who are exhausted and feel that they can no longer bear it. Keep working hard! My spirit will march with you.”
Falun Gong practitioners held a parade through the center of Helsinki.
Public Support to End the Persecution
After the rally, the practitioners held a parade. Their procession started at the Parliament Building, went down Mannerheimintie, the main road in Helsinki, and passed by the famous shopping center Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki Cathedral, and Pohjoisesplanadi.
Many spectators and passersby read the truth-clarifying brochures that practitioners were handing out and signed the two petitions, one calling for the end of the CCP and and the other to stop the persecution of Falun Gong.
Saara, a taxidermist, signed the petitions and commented, “This should be stopped. I am on your side.”
Another person said, “I believe that everyone, regardless of their background or history, has the right to peace and security. No one should be roughed up.”
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Category: July 20 Events
