(Minghui.org) The cultural exchange event themed “world village” was held in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland from May 27 to 28, 2023 and drew an estimated 50,000 attendees. Practitioners were invited to set up an information booth where they introduced Falun Dafa and told people about the ongoing persecution in China.
They demonstrated the five sets of exercises, handed out information and told people about Falun Dafa. They also collected signatures on a petition calling for an end to the persecution in China. Many people who learned of the crimes against practitioners in China lined up to sign the petition.
Practitioners gave out handmade lotus flowers and brought to people’s attention the message written on the tag beneath the flowers: “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance”, “The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance”. Some people said happily, “This is exactly what we need.”
A woman was moved to tears as she listened to a practitioner describe the brutalities suffered by practitioners in China. One man said he felt the cells in his body tremble while a practitioner described Falun Dafa. A woman asked practitioners to teach her how to pronounce, “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance” in Chinese.
Practitioners also had the opportunity to demonstrate the exercises on the stage. Many people stood up and imitated the exercise movements.
Dianna from Iran told practitioners, “You are doing a great job, we support you. No one should be treated like this. People have the right to choose how they live their lives. I believe the perpetrators will receive what they deserve. You have been suffering, but in the end, you will be rewarded.” Her friend Isla agreed and said, “The perpetrators are wrong, we support you.”
Bheneffe has been to China and lived in Taiwan for 4 years. He said, “I was delighted to see you demonstrate the exercises on stage yesterday. It was amazing. You introduced Falun Dafa and the exercise movements in Finnish perfectly. I know you have activities not only in this festival, but you also have different activities such as giving out fliers near the Kamppi shopping centre in the city centre, you introduce the practice at train stations and do the exercises in the park.”
He continued, “I can feel the energy you emit. I understand what you are going through, it’s just like walking through fire. I believe you will succeed. I firmly believe this will make the society more positive. I am confident a hundred percent!”
Nancy, a Chinese born in Finland was curious about Falun Dafa. She asked practitioners all sorts of questions including why they chose to clarify the facts about the persecution. She was shocked when she was told the extent of the brutality practitioners suffered in China due to the CCP’s (Chinese Communist Party) persecution campaign.
She signed the petition to end the persecution and told practitioners, “Please keep up your efforts. It’s very important that you tell people what is happening in China.” She asked if there was anything else she could do to help and gladly accepted the newly published 2023 Minghui edition.
Two women from Poland said they saw practitioners’ parade in Warsaw. One said, “Under the CCP’s rule it is useless to talk about human rights as they simply do not exist in China.” When they were told about the organ harvesting. One said, “The CCP is afraid of such a large group of people. Organ harvesting is terrible and inconceivable.”
Laura, a student said, “The CCP is not the Chinese people. The regime wants to bind all Chinese people together but in reality, they are not the same. When the CCP wants to do anything, it does not consider if it will benefit people. Instead, it only thinks of how it will benefit them. The CCP is corrupt.”
Eero is a student in Helsinki, and is interested in politics. He has been following news reports on China online. Eero and his friends happily signed the petition and thanked practitioners for giving them beautiful lotus flowers.
Viivi, a student, heard of the terrible things done by the CCP but did not know the details. She was shocked to learn of inhumane persecution and did not hesitate to sign the petition calling for an end to the atrocities.
Janette and Janna both said, “The organ harvesting is terrible.”
Anni said, “People should be allowed to do what they like, and not be persecuted for practicing Falun Dafa or for meditating. This is wrong. How can the government simply lock up citizens, and tell them what they can believe and do? Everyone should have freedom of speech and be free to decide how they want to lead their lives.”
Chinese version available
(Clearwisdom)
Finland: Falun Gong Practitioners Attend the World Village Cultural Festival
