(Minghui.org) In 2021, the deaths of 132 Falun Gong practitioners who died as a result of the persecution of their faith were verified.

The newly recorded deaths include 2 practitioners who died in 2017, 3 in 2018, 2 in 2019, 24 in 2020, and 101 in 2021.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a mind-body practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Since its introduction to the public in 1992, countless people have been drawn to its profound principles and health benefits. Fearing its ever-growing popularity, the Chinese communist regime launched a nationwide campaign in July 1999, attempting to stamp out the practice.

Hundreds of thousands of practitioners have since been harassed, arrested, detained, imprisoned, and tortured. A total of 4,726 deaths have been documented by the Minghui.org website as of January 6, 2022. Due to the strict censorship of information in China, however, the actual number is likely much higher.

The 101 deaths that occurred in 2021 took place throughout the year, with 60 incidents from January to June.