Italy: “We Love Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance As Much As You”

On International Human Rights Day, December 10th 2002, the Italian Confederation of Trade Unions (CISL) in Piedmont held a seminar concerning the freedom of religion in China and Tibet. Falun Gong practitioners from Italy were invited to attend the meeting [Falun Gong is not a religion. For more information on the nature of Falun Gong, see www.falundafa.org]. Other attendees included the President of CISL in Piedmont, a Professor of Theology, Mr. Vernetti, a Member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tecchio, a coordinator of the Italy-Tibet Association, the chair of the Christian Labour Movement in Piedmont, and Mr. Mellano who is a member of the Regional Council of Piedmont in Italy.

The meeting began with practitioners showing a 10-minute film about Falun Gong. The film contained an exercise demonstration and outlined how practitioners have upheld their firm belief in “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” in the face of brutal persecution. The audience watched the film quietly. The grace, harmony and beauty of the exercise demonstration formed a strong contrast to the brutal persecution being inflicted on the innocent practitioners. The Italian practitioners went on to talk about how the practitioners in China face everything with great kindness and tolerance in their hearts, even if they suffer from harsh persecution. They talked about how practitioners worldwide have called on governments and kind-hearted people to help bring an end to this ridiculous and unlawful persecution. Practitioners also used this opportunity to inform the attendees about how Article 23 is being used by the Jiang regime in an attempt to destroy the fundamental freedom of Falun Gong practitioners and residents in Hong Kong.

Member of the House of Representatives Mr. Vernetti commented, “this kind of typical state terrorism targeted on innocent people” must be banned. Mr. Vernetti also requested for practitioners to periodically send him updated information on Jiang’s persecution of Falun Gong. Mr. Mellano, from the Regional Council of Piedmont, stated that he had heard of the persecution of Falun Gong and after watching the film he found it hard to believe that such a brutal and inhumane persecution is happening in China. A famous reporter and expert on the situation in Tibet commented, “Now I realise that they treat all their people in this way - whoever they are. Falun Gong followers, Tibetans, or Catholics will be suppressed in the same brutal way. Brutality is their nature.”

After the meeting came to an end, some attendees approached practitioners and said, “We love ‘Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance’ as much as you. The only difference is that we are unable to do the elegant movements you were demonstrating. But our hearts are together with yours.”

Translated from Chinese at
http://www.yuanming.net/articles/200212/15640.html