(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners from the French-speaking region of Switzerland and nearby areas in France held a rally on July 17, 2025, by Lake Geneva, in front of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to mark the 26th anniversary of Falun Gong practitioners’ peaceful resistance to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. Four government officials attended in person, and another 39 expressed their support in writing.
Practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises.
Passersby signed a petition to support Falun Gong.
Falun Gong Spokesperson Expresses Gratitude for Support from Local and Federal Officials
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Members of the Grand Council of Geneva who are here with us in person as well as many other Members who sent us letters of support. Your attendance and support are very important for our efforts to condemn and resist this horrible persecution that has lasted far too long! For 26 years, Falun Gong practitioners in China have endured unbearable suffering, torture, defamation, slander, and even live organ harvesting. This is the painful reality.
“On May 5, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Falun Gong Protection Act that would, if it passes in the Senate and is signed into law by the president, impose sanctions on those who participate in or facilitate forced organ harvesting in China. Because the persecution of Falun Gong has become transnational, multiple investigations are being carried out.”
Four Members of the Grand Council of Geneva Attended to Show Their Support
Mr. Christo Ivanov said, “I’m here today mainly because this is an event that counters persecution, and I’m here to support you. This persecution is truly horrifying. Thanks to your efforts over the years, it has drawn the attention of Western government officials. For example, in January 2024, the European Parliament passed resolution 2024/2504(RSP), which urges the PRC [People’s Republic of China] to immediately end the persecution and organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners and other minorities. In May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Falun Gong Protection Act [now pending in the Senate] in opposition to the persecution of Falun Gong. All this shows that the general public has already learned about the persecution of Falun Gong. You should keep up your efforts and let more people know that Falun Dafa is good.”
Mr. Christo Ivanove encouraged Falun Gong practitioners to continue their efforts to end the persecution so that more people know that Falun Dafa is good.
Ms. Laurence Corpataux said, “I’m here to show that I oppose any form of discrimination, especially the discrimination of Falun Gong practitioners. For so many years, you have resisted the persecution, but the CCP won’t stop—it just wants to persecute people. It is evil. I’m here to call for the right to believe for all citizens.”
Ms. Laurence Corpataux said that Falun Gong practitioners should have the right to their belief.
Mr. Pascal Altenbach said, “I’ve read about Falun Gong and found it actually a very traditional practice that calls for cultivating one’s body and mind. One needs to learn to control oneself. If it is so good, why repress it?
“In Switzerland, we support human rights and freedom of belief. Since Falun Gong emphasizes similar values and traditions, it is also very popular here. If you link it with China’s traditional culture and civilization, you will see this practice largely aligns with the principles and theories of China’s traditional culture.
“One other characteristic of this practice is that it is very peaceful and focuses attention on calming one’s heart. Since it is so peaceful, it benefits society in every way, and causes no harm. It should not be suppressed through political or any other means. It should be promoted in an environment where there is equality and mutual respect, where people can get along in harmony.”
Mr. Pascal Altenbach believes that Falun Dafa benefits society and causes no harm, so it should be widely promoted.
When he was interviewed, Mr. Yves de Matteis said, “One thing is very clear: Falun Gong practitioners and the practice itself should not be persecuted, especially today. Not only in China or outside of it, no Falun Gong practitioners anywhere in the world should be persecuted. They should have their reputation restored and not be labeled as criminals. But this is precisely the reality in China today.
Mr. Yves de Matteis emphasized that Falun Gong should not be persecuted.
“We now see that the persecution [of Falun Gong] is becoming transnational, which means the persecution is not only happening in China, but also Switzerland. We have seen situations in which some people want to persecute certain minority groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, or others. They persecute these people mainly because they have different beliefs. There is also a prevalence of intimidation and threats. One thing is for sure, the persecution of Falun Gong and other minority groups cannot be accepted. I know that proposals of this kind exist at the national, federal, state levels, and even within city councils.”
Member of the Swiss Federal Assembly’s National Council Calls for the Government to Act
Mr. Daniel Sormanni, Member of the Swiss Federal Assembly’s National Council
Mr. Daniel Sormanni said in his message to Falun Gong practitioners, “I demand that the Chinese government, the CCP regime, stop the persecution of people who value freedom, who believe in sincerity, kindness and tolerance. The ongoing repression is totally unacceptable. It is far too harsh and has even spread outside of China, including Switzerland and other places.
“I also call on the Swiss government to take appropriate action in response to the surveillance and persecution by Chinese government agents against prominent individuals and private citizens residing in our country.”
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Category: July 20 Events
