(Clearwisdom.net) On July 18, 2009, about one hundred Falun Gong practitioners and supporters from Queensland, Australia held a rally at Brisbane Square, followed by a parade through Chinatown, to peacefully protest the ten-year-long persecution of Falun Gong in China.

Rally at Brisbane Square, calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong

People watch the activity

The parade

Float exposes the torture suffered by practitioners in China

Practitioners peacefully exposed the brutal persecution, carrying truth-clarifying banners and placards, and displaying photos of practitioners who lost their lives in the persecution. In the morning rally, several guests gave speeches.

John Andress, representative for the Falun Dafa Association of Queensland, addresses the rally

John Andress, a representative for the Falun Dafa Association of Queensland, briefly reviewed the history and facts of the persecution. He pointed out that in China, lawyers and media reporters who support Falun Gong are also being suppressed. He said that dissolving the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is now the only way to stop the persecution.

Chiu Chuiliang, a professor at the University of Queensland

Chiu Chuiliang, a professor at the University of Queensland, expressed his support and appreciation to Falun Gong practitioners for their efforts in clarifying the truth and exposing the evil nature of the CCP. He said it helps the world know the truth about the CCP, and helps to dissolve the CCP. "The whole world will know of your great contribution," he said.

Dr. Cuong Bui, chairman of the Australia Vietnamese Society, Queensland Chapter, sent his speech to the rally. He said that the persecution of Falun Gong is a major religious persecution. He also pointed out that the CCP uses its consulates and embassies to suppress Falun Gong overseas and threaten other governments, businessmen, reporters and scholars. He said that different groups should stand together against the CCP's tyrannical power.

Maree Klemm, chair of Amnesty International Queensland Chapter

Maree Klemm, chair of Amnesty International Queensland Chapter, expressed that Amnesty is concerned about the persecution, and will support Falun Gong until the persecution is over.

Louisa Fuller, vice chair of the Ethnic Communities Council - Logan, expressed support for Falun Gong. She said that the council welcomes Falun Gong, which is peaceful, and beneficial to the community.

Frank Zhao, a Falun Gong practitioner who just came to Australia, had been jailed in a labor camp in China for two years, where he was badly tortured. He told his own story as witness to the persecution. He said that many of his Falun Gong friends are still imprisoned. He called upon people of justice to help stop the persecution.

Many local citizens listened to the speeches and learned the true facts about the persecution. Sharon, one of the bystanders, said that the persecution was horrible, and it was hard to believe that it still exists in the world. She said the Australian people need to know what is happening in China. Many citizens signed a petition to support Falun Gong.

After the rally, attendees held a parade through Chinatown and continued activities until 2:00 p.m.

On July 20, Falun Gong practitioners will hold a candlelight vigil in memory of practitioners who lost their lives during the persecution.

Background

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and free of charge. Its principles are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice began in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Its beneficial effects in uplifting an individual's physical, mental, and spiritual health, not to mention its positive influence in the community and society as a whole, have been undeniable. In fact, Falun Gong is practiced by over 100 million people in 60 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.

On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a brutal persecution of Falun Gong. Since the start of the persecution, Falun Gong practitioners throughout the world have been constantly speaking out about the truth of Falun Gong and exposing the CCP's crimes in a tireless effort to end the persecution.