Toronto Falun Gong Practitioners Commemorate 25 Years of CCP Persecution with Call for Truthfulness
On the 25th anniversary of the Chinese communist regime’s persecution campaign against Falun Gong, a large crowd gathered in downtown Toronto on July 20 to demand an end to what they described as the most egregious human rights violation in history.
The event included a public performance of Falun Gong’s meditative exercises and a rally at which politicians and human rights advocates gave speeches. A parade through downtown Toronto featured a band performance and the display of banners calling for an end to the persecution. Later in the evening, practitioners were scheduled to hold a candlelight vigil outside the Chinese Consulate to peacefully protest.
Rooted in Buddhist traditions, Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual practice involving meditative exercises and moral teachings based on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), however, views Falun Gong’s teachings as counter to its ideology, and its popularity as a threat to its rule. By the late 1990s, before the persecution was launched on July 20, 1999, there was an estimated 70 million to 100 million adherents in China, according to official estimates.
During the rally at Queen’s Park, adherents talked about the harrowing experiences of repression, imprisonment, torture, and abuse their fellow adherents in China are undergoing amid the CCP’s persecution campaign.
“For 25 years, we’ve suffered unspeakable atrocities at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, the world’s worst and most powerful human rights abuser. And yet 25 years, we’re still standing here,” said Joel Chipkar, spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association of Canada.
Citing former Chinese state officials who were asked why the CCP is bent on repressing Falun Gong, Mr. Chipkar noted that the regime relies on violence, lies, and atheism to maintain its power. He added that the CCP cannot let the international community know what it has done to Falun Gong adherents in China.
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Despite facing murder, physical and mental abuse, and even live organ harvesting, the practitioners remain steadfast and resilient in their beliefs, Mr. Chipkar said. He added that Falun Gong practitioners worldwide continue to bring a message of freedom and hope.
“Falun Gong practitioners in Canada, around the world, and in China are continuing to try to save lives. We remain proactive, and we have always remained peaceful. This alone speaks volumes about who we are,” he said. “And what are you supposed to do when those with all the power are attacking those with none? You stand up. You stand up and tell the truth!”
‘Victory Is Coming’
Human rights advocates, as well as current and former politicians, joined the event to support Falun Gong adherents.
Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party Melissa Lantsman sent a congratulatory letter on behalf of her party and its leader Pierre Poilievre.
“For a quarter of a century, millions of Falun Gong practitioners in China have been jailed, tortured, and killed simply because of their choice to honour the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Outside of China, many more have been targeted, harassed, and attacked for the same reason,” Ms. Lantsman wrote.
“But it is thanks to the bravery, devotion, and passion of many committed individuals that Falun Gong has not just survived this threat—it has thrived. Communist Beijing can try all they like—but they will never control the hearts and minds of people who want to be free.”
“I remain, along with Pierre Poiievre, one of your strongest supporters on Parliament Hill,” she added.
Former Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon, who grew up in Soviet-controlled Poland, observed that the persecution methods used by the CCP against Falun Gong practitioners mirror those of other communist regimes worldwide, as these authoritarian governments seek total control over society. He highlighted the importance of continuously reminding the world of the terrible atrocities committed by the Chinese regime.
“Let’s stand strongly together in support of those that are [persecuted] in China. They really need to know they are not alone,” Mr. Lizon said. “Let’s work together to bring about the final end [of communism in China and other countries].”
“Victory is coming.”
Former Senator Consiglio Di Nino said that governments around the world have not dealt strongly with China despite the ongoing persecution. He said he is honoured to stand with Falun Gong practitioners to address such atrocities.
“I commend you. I applaud you. But more importantly, I reaffirm my commitment to you that, as long as the atrocities exist, I’ll be here with you, doing whatever is necessary to hopefully make it stop.”
“I stand here with a sense of deep respect and
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