(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in Rize, Turkey, in the Black Sea region, held activities on July 21, 2018, to raise awareness of the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa in China, which began 19 years ago on July 20, 1999. The persecution of the practice was launched by former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin and has been brutal and ongoing. Practitioners have been tortured, brainwashed, and even killed for their organs, which are harvested for transplant surgeries.
Falun Dafa exercise instruction.
Children learn the exercises.
This was the first time such an event was held in the Black Sea region. Practitioners were impressed by the interest and sincerity of the people in Rize. A petition drive was also held during the six-hour event to gather public support to help stop the persecution in China.
The event was crowded with visitors between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Some people who had already received brochures returned and participated in the exercise demonstration. Many visitors read the posters about the persecution and then wanted to sign the petition to support the practitioners.
İsmail, who learned the exercises, said, “My body was relaxed and I felt renewed. I think everyone should try it. I will encourage my friends to try it too.” He also expressed his views about the persecution, saying, “I think those who do this kind of persecuting are inhuman, and I hope that they are severely punished.”
Osman
Osman read the posters for a long time, then said, ‘‘You are distinguished and special people. From the outside, you may look like you are just volunteering, but not everyone can see the beauty behind it. You are not doing it for yourselves but for all the people in Turkey. You are doing something worthwhile.”
Seda and her friend.
Seda, who showed great interest in the Falun Dafa exercises said, “I already knew about the persecution of people of faith in China. But I did not know about the severe persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners. It has to be stopped. I hope you will succeed.”
Category: July 20 Events
