On the 25th anniversary of the Chinese communist regime’s persecution campaign against Falun Gong, a large crowd gathered in downtown Toronto on July 20 to demand an end to what they described as the most egregious human rights violation in history.
The event included a public performance of Falun Gong’s meditative exercises and a rally at which politicians and human rights advocates gave speeches. A parade through downtown Toronto featured a band performance and the display of banners calling for an end to the persecution. Later in the evening, practitioners were scheduled to hold a candlelight vigil outside the Chinese Consulate to peacefully protest.
Rooted in Buddhist traditions, Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual practice involving meditative exercises and moral teachings based on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), however, views Falun Gong’s teachings as counter to its ideology, and its popularity as a threat to its rule. By the late 1990s, before the persecution was launched on July 20, 1999, there was an estimated 70 million to 100 million adherents in China, according to official estimates.
During the rally at Queen’s Park, adherents talked about the harrowing experiences of repression, imprisonment, torture, and abuse their fellow adherents in China are undergoing amid the CCP’s persecution campaign.
“For 25 years, we’ve suffered unspeakable atrocities at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, the world’s worst and most powerful human rights abuser. And yet 25 years, we’re still standing here,” said Joel Chipkar, spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association of Canada.
Citing former Chinese state officials who were asked why the CCP is bent on repressing Falun Gong, Mr. Chipkar noted that the regime relies on violence, lies, and atheism to maintain its power. He added that the CCP cannot let the international community know what it has done to Falun Gong adherents in China.
Despite facing murder, physical and mental abuse, and even live organ harvesting, the practitioners remain steadfast and resilient in their beliefs, Mr. Chipkar said. He added that Falun Gong practitioners worldwide continue to bring a message of freedom and hope.
‘Victory Is Coming’
Human rights advocates, as well as current and former politicians, joined the event or issued statements to support Falun Gong adherents.MP and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party Melissa Lantsman issued a statement on behalf of her party and its leader Pierre Poilievre which was presented at the event.
“For a quarter of a century, millions of Falun Gong practitioners in China have been jailed, tortured, and killed simply because of their choice to honour the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Outside of China, many more have been targeted, harassed, and attacked for the same reason,” Ms. Lantsman wrote.
“But it is thanks to the bravery, devotion, and passion of many committed individuals that Falun Gong has not just survived this threat—it has thrived. Communist Beijing can try all they like—but they will never control the hearts and minds of people who want to be free.
“I remain, along with Pierre Poilievre, one of your strongest supporters on Parliament Hill,” she added.
Former Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon, who grew up in Soviet-controlled Poland, observed that the persecution methods used by the CCP against Falun Gong practitioners mirror those of other communist regimes worldwide, as these authoritarian governments seek total control over society. He highlighted the importance of continuously reminding the world of the terrible atrocities committed by the Chinese regime.
“Let’s stand strongly together in support of those that are [persecuted] in China. They really need to know they are not alone,” Mr. Lizon said. “Let’s work together to bring about the final end [of communism in China and other countries].”
“Victory is coming.”
Former Senator Consiglio Di Nino said that governments around the world have not dealt strongly with China despite the ongoing persecution. He said he is honoured to stand with Falun Gong practitioners to address such atrocities.
“I commend you. I applaud you. But more importantly, I reaffirm my commitment to you that, as long as the atrocities exist, I'll be here with you, doing whatever is necessary to hopefully make it stop.”
“I stand here with a sense of deep respect and solidarity for the Falun Gong community. Over the past few years, I’ve come to deeply respect and admire this community,” she said, noting the benefits she felt after trying to do Falun Gong’s meditative exercises.
Ms. Teich also expressed admiration for Falun Gong practitioners’ resilience in the face of brutality, stating: “The Chinese Communist Party has been committing terrible atrocities against this community, from killings to arbitrary detentions, forced labour, forced organ harvesting. Truly, it’s so horrific, it’s almost unbelievable.”
Foreign Interference
The CCP’s extension of its persecution against Falun Gong overseas was also highlighted during the rally by Gloria Fung, president of Canada-Hong Kong Link. Ms. Fung played a key role in facilitating the recent passage of Bill C-70, a law that addresses foreign interference by introducing new regulations and creating a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry.“This is a very important first step to put all foreign agents under the sun, to enhance transparency of our democratic processes,” she said. However, Ms. Fung noted that more needs to be done, including ensuring the law is implemented effectively and the registry operates properly.
In a letter sent to organizers of the event, former Ontario MPP John Parker also highlighted the urgency of the issue of foreign interference.
“We now have clear evidence that the Chinese communist regime is interfering in the work of our government and in the lives of private Canadian citizens,” he said.
“Its attacks on practitioners of Falun Gong demonstrate the bankruptcy of their regime and the principles that guide its actions. It is now more important than ever for all of us to declare the truth and remain resolute in our commitment to truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.”
Dean Baxendale, president and publisher of Optimum Publishing International, described the CCP as the “most brutal, genocidal” regime mankind has seen since the Nazis. He also highlighted the regime’s pervasive extension of oppression globally. He noted that, through the dedication of Falun Gong practitioners and advocates, the world is waking up to the CCP’s interference.
“This idea of a united front for freedom and democracy against the Chinese Communist Party has taken hold globally,” he said. “Now people are openly speaking and talking in a frame of reference that we were not able to do even two or three years ago, because the world, the tide, the sentiment towards this brutal regime has truly turned.”
