The sidewalks of downtown Zurich were filled with pedestrians who stopped to watch and record the whirlwind of colors from a marching band.
The European Tian Guo “Celestial” Marching Band led a procession on Oct. 5, to help raise awareness of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong.
“With this parade we want to show the world and people of Zurich what is actually going on in China,” said Manu Huwyler, Event PR Manager. “For the last 19 years, there has been a persecution of those who practice Falun Dafa.”
Falun Gong was founded in northeast China in 1992. It is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that involves slow exercises and teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
According to several western media outlets quoting Chinese officials, there were as many as 100 million practicing Falun Gong in 1999. Then-party leader Jiang Zemin felt threatened and vowed to eradicate it. He launched a large-scale persecution of Falun Gong that continues until today.
“They shouldn’t be afraid to have their own opinion, and to consider what is valuable in your own life,” said Lauren Bouden, a graphic design student.
“I hope for all who are affected by this persecution that they are strong enough to endure,” said Elsa Höhn, a middle school teacher. “What they are doing is simply nothing evil. In general, I would say to Chinese people, stay open, stay alert, eyes open, ears open, and see what really happens. Don’t let yourselves be influenced by the talks of the CCP. ”
“Stay strong, you have to hold on,” nurse Dejcz Megi added.
NTD News, Zurich, Switzerland
