Peralta spoke at a rally where hundreds of Falun Gong practitioners gathered at the Ontario legislature on April 20 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of China’s suppression of a peaceful protest in Beijing on April 25, 1999. This protest led to a human rights crisis as followers of the spiritual practice, also known as Falun Dafa, became victims of disinformation and defamation orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under then-leader Jiang Zemin. The persecution intensified after 45 practitioners were detained in 1999, prompting around 10,000 adherents to petition peacefully at Beijing’s National Appeals Office for their right to belief.
Lawmakers and rights defenders worldwide have condemned the CCP’s use of torture, sexual abuse, and organ harvesting against Falun Gong prisoners. Canadian human rights lawyer David Matas described the persecution as a “cold genocide.” Jose Peralta, an immigrant from Argentina, praised the peaceful nature of Falun Gong practitioners, contrasting it with violent protests elsewhere. He began practicing Falun Gong five years ago and marveled at the impact of the 1999 petition on inspiring millions, including himself.
Michael Stainton, president of the Taiwanese Human Rights Association of Canada, commended Falun Gong practitioners for peacefully resisting CCP repression, which he believes is leading to the party’s self-destruction. He criticized the CCP’s creation of the “610 Office” for persecuting Falun Gong, calling the party irrational and not fit to govern. The rally aimed to condemn the CCP’s 25 years of repression of the spiritual practice. Stainton emphasized that the Chinese regime was fully aware that many communist officials and military personnel were secretly practicing Falun Gong. As a result, they initiated a “reign of terror” that impacted all Chinese citizens. This persecution involved the establishment of “kangaroo courts” and multiple prisons to intimidate both Falun Gong practitioners and their own cadre.
Furthermore, the CCP hindered rights lawyers from defending Falun Gong adherents, including the well-respected human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who is reportedly being held in custody without any contact with the outside world.
Stainton expressed his belief that the persecution would come to an end, leading to a new path of hope for the people of China and the world, thanks to the steadfast dedication of Falun Gong practitioners. He spoke about Falun Gong’s core principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, highlighting the peaceful adherence of its followers to these ideals.
Drawing a parallel to the persecution faced by Christians in the Roman Empire, Stainton noted that Falun Gong practitioners endure even greater hardship. He stressed the importance of Canadians taking Falun Gong seriously and standing in solidarity with them.
Dean Baxendale, the president and publisher of Optimum Publishing International, condemned the CCP’s suppression of Falun Gong and other religious minorities in China. He described the gathering at the Ontario legislature as a demonstration of commitment to freedom of expression.
Baxendale also raised awareness about the CCP’s forced organ harvesting from prisoners, particularly targeting Falun Gong adherents. He cited reports estimating that tens of thousands of Falun Gong members are killed for their organs each year, emphasizing the urgent need for global condemnation of this criminal practice.
In conclusion, the article was contributed to by Allen Zhou and featured a photograph of Dean Baxendale addressing a rally of Falun Gong adherents at the Ontario legislature. Please rewrite the following sentence:
“The new marketing campaign was successful in attracting a larger audience to the product launch event.”
“The product launch event saw an increase in attendance due to the success of the new marketing campaign.”
Source link
