Frankfurt, Germany: At Falun Dafa Day Celebration, Elected Officials Offer Congratulations and Condemn the Persecution

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2021, is the 22^nd World Falun Dafa Day and the 29^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Practitioners held a grand celebration in Frankfurt on May 8 flanked by a large, eye-catching banner that read “May 13 World Falun Dafa Day, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.” The banner was surrounded by colorful balloons.

Many passersby were attracted to the peaceful music as practitioners demonstrated the exercises and then gave rousing waist drum and dragon dance performances.

Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament, addressed the event.

Elected Officials Offer Congratulations on World Falun Dafa Day

Elected officials sent letters to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. From left to right in the top row: Michael Gahler, Ulli Nissen, Heike Hofmann, and Karin Müller. From left to right in the bottom row: Martina Feldmayer, Miriam Dahlke, Dirk Bamberger, and Heiko Kasseckert.

Members of the European Parliament, the German Federal Parliament, the Hessen State Parliament, and the Frankfurt City Council sent letters of greeting. They commended Falun Dafa’s values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and expressed their admiration for practitioners’ perseverance, peace, and rationality in their efforts to counter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s persecution of their faith. They also urged the CCP to immediately stop its persecution of Falun Dafa.

Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), joined the event and addressed those in attendance, condemning the CCP’s brutal persecution in his speech.

Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament, participated in the celebrations.

MEP Michael Gahler said, “I sincerely congratulate Falun Dafa on the 29^th anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa. May 13 is worth commemorating every year to draw people’s attention to the plight of Falun Dafa practitioners. Living in a free world, we must speak for them. I’m glad you are in Frankfurt today.”

He condemned the CCP’s persecution and said it was unacceptable to imprison people in concentration camps, persecute and even kill them for their belief, conscience, and peaceful activities.

Ulli Nissen, a member of the federal parliament from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), wrote, “I wish everyone a courageous World Falun Dafa Day under the guidance of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance!”

Karin Müller of the Hesse State Parliament, Martina Feldmayer, and Miriam Dahlke of the Hesse State Parliament sent a letter of greeting on behalf of the Greens. They wrote: “We sincerely congratulate the May 13 World Falun Dafa Day. In the face of the CCP's ongoing persecution and violence, you still peacefully pursue Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance, which is admirable.”

Heike Hofmann, Vice President of the Hesse State Parliament, wrote, “The safeguarding of freedom, freedom of speech, and human dignity should apply to every part of the world. In this regard, I wish you success on World Falun Dafa Day.”

Dirk Bamberger of the Hesse State Parliament from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party wrote, “I extend my highest respect for your contributions and awakening of society. I wish you more strength and courage to continue to draw attention to these atrocities [in China]. And I hope you will continue to save many lives in the future.”

Heiko Kasseckert of the Hesse State Parliament wrote, “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are values worthy of respect. These values are especially important to us in the days when the pandemic is raging.”

Public Condemns Persecution in China

Practitioners demonstrate the Falun Dafa exercises.The waist drum team performs.Passersby watch the practitioners’ performance.People talk with practitioners to learn more about Falun Dafa.

An older German woman stopped to watch the Falun Dafa exercise demonstration. She said, “Oh, there are Germans, too. They look very relaxed. This exercise must be very good.” She was told that there would be free classes in Frankfurt and gladly accepted a leaflet.

Robert from Poland listened carefully to the speakers. After every practitioner spoke, he applauded loudly. Robert said, “I have listened carefully to their speeches. How can the CCP do such a thing? Those doctors in white coats harvest organs from living people. They are beasts, not human beings,” referring to the CCP’s state-sanctioned killing of Falun Dafa practitioners for organs as part of its persecution campaign.

As he said this, Robert covered his face and couldn't speak anymore, tears rolling down his face. He signed the petition to condemn the CCP’s persecution.