Germany: Hamburg Commemorates China’s Three Years of Persecution on July 20th

We met in Hamburg at “Gaensemarkt” [a well-known city landmark] where we demonstrated the exercises, distributed informational materials did Fa Zheng Nian [a type of meditation], together with practitioners who had travelled from the northern German region to meet us.

After we had assembled, a journalist from Hamburg’s TV station “HH1” came to videotape us for a report to be broadcast on her station. While she was filming before our march, she inquired whether we are still waiting for additional practitioners or for a police contingent and when the march would actually begin. One police officer had arrived who would accompany us on our march. It was the same one who had been on duty during one of our previous events. He seemed relaxed, saying that he had a car close by in case he needed to rest.

Then began our small march through the inner city. We stopped at several places where people had congregated, including “Jungfernstieg” Bridge where we demonstrated the exercises. Many Chinese tourists were present. They could not understand that Falun Gong is being practised in the West but is banned in China where it originated. They hesitated, because they were familiar with the Chinese propaganda. The Chinese authorities had told them that on their trip abroad they must not accept any Falun Gong materials or give credence to anything that they hear and see. After their initial hesitation, though, many of them accepted informational brochures and took them home. Several even asked where they could learn the exercises and wanted to know more about the benefits of Falun Gong.

After we completed our march, we erected our information booth at Gerhard-Hauptmann-Platz [a prominent location]. Practitioners had prepared special banners for this day. Our booth was harmonious, beautiful to look at and uncluttered. Everyone did their own job well. Some distributed newspapers, others demonstrated the exercises, several spoke with passers-by and taught them the exercises, and other practitioners videotaped or did interviews. We were able to explain the truth to many people. An elderly gentleman said: “Falun Gong is so good! I have heard about you often. What you are doing is great. You are conducting yourselves well and peacefully. How come the (Chinese) government persecutes you?” Yes, that is a frequently asked question. As we were at this location I felt the upright and compassionate atmosphere there, in spite of the hectic surroundings.

Following these activities, we drove to a woman practitioner’s home for Fa [the principles of Falun Dafa] study. Late in the evening we drove to the Chinese Consulate to peacefully appeal through a candlelight vigil until 1:00 a.m. in the morning. Time went fast, as if in the blink of an eye. We had candles and the memorial tablets and it was a serene atmosphere. The whole day was very nice and complete.