(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners across the world hold events every year to commemorate fellow practitioners who have died as a result of the persecution. This year is particularly significant; 2019 marks 20 years of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. Ordered by Jiang Zemin, the former head of the communist regime, the CCP launched the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners on July 20, 1999.

Falun Gong is a peaceful mind-body cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

The Minghui website has confirmed the deaths of over four thousand Falun Gong practitioners due to the persecution over the past 20 years. However, the actual number is suspected to be much higher. More have been imprisoned and tortured for their faith. There is concrete evidence that the CCP is an active participant in the harvesting of organs from detained practitioners, who are killed to supply the organ transplant industry.

Rally in San Francisco Wins Public Support

Practitioners from San Francisco held a rally at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown on July 20, 2019.

Falun Gong practitioners hold a rally on Portsmouth Square in San Francisco's Chinatown on July 20, 2019.A chorus was part of the day's events.

During the rally, practitioner Shuhua Han talks about how she was persecuted by the CCP for practicing her faith.

Psychiatrist Alejandro Centurión from DAFOH called on all levels of government to pay attention to the crime of forced organ harvesting.

Psychiatrist: The CCP Still Carries Out Live Organ Harvesting

Alejandro Centurión, a psychiatrist and representative of the US West Coast Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH), said that the CCP’s live organ harvesting is still ongoing.

He said, “The CCP has been killing a large number of prisoners of conscience, mainly Falun Gong practitioners. U.S. government officials and medical institutions condemn these atrocities of organ harvesting.” He called on all levels of government to learn about the crime of forced organ harvesting. He said DAFOH and many doctors around the world were continuing their efforts to raise awareness of the forced organ harvesting and would condemn this crime until it ends.

Practitioner Chongming Wang describes how he was tortured by the CCP.

Artist and Falun Gong practitioner Jiangzhong Wang called on people to learn about Falun Gong.

Practitioner Chris Kitze called on the Chinese people to renounce their membership in the CCP and its affiliated organizations.

Paul Taylor, a senate candidate, said he supports practitioners' protesting the persecution.

Zheng Fang, an advocate for democracy in China, admires Falun Gong and condemns the persecution.Ximei Gao, who recently arrived from China, agrees with raising awareness about the persecution.

Jiaqi Zhang from Beijing supports Falun Gong and democracy.

Mr. Yu, a local resident, supports Falun Gong and participated in the parade.

Exhibition in San Francisco

In addition to the rally and parade, practitioners also held a photo exhibition on Portsmouth Square in Chinatown on July 20. The exhibition introduced Falun Gong and exposed the CCP’s persecution, especially the live organ harvesting.

The photo exhibition on Portsmouth Square in Chinatown helped people understand the scope of the 20-year-long persecution.

Portsmouth Square is a gathering place for local Chinese residents and tourists. Several people stopped to look at the photos and read the information. Some took photos. Many Chinese people renounced their membership in the CCP and its affiliated organizations.

Rally in Philadelphia

Falun Gong practitioners in Greater Philadelphia held a rally in Philadelphia's Chinatown on July 13, 2019. Practitioners introduced Falun Gong to passersby and talked about the CCP’s persecution. Nearly 30 Chinese people renounced their memberships in the CCP and its affiliated organizations.

People learn about Falun Gong.

Practitioner Dr. Kui Huang recounts being tortured in China during his five years in prison for his belief.

Practitioner Lanlan Wang sings a song.

Two young Chinese Americans learn about Falun Gong.

A Chinese family stopped to read the information on the poster and took a photo.

A young woman receives a lotus flower.

Jasmine from New York signs the petition condemning the persecution.

Related articles in Chinese: Picture exhibition in San Francisco, Philadelphia.