(Minghui.org) In advance of the 27th anniversary of efforts to expose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong (also called Falun Dafa), practitioners from across Europe held activities in Rome on June 27 and 28, 2026. They raised awareness of the CCP’s egregious human rights abuses and called on all circles of society to help end the atrocities.

Leaders of various Italian political parties and members of the Italian Parliament wrote to the Italian Falun Dafa Association to express their solidarity with practitioners. They called on the Italian authorities and European Union institutions to take a firm stand and concrete action to end the persecution and to uphold freedom of belief and thought. They further pledged to stand firmly with Falun Gong practitioners in halting the CCP’s persecution.

Freedom of Belief, Thought, and Conscience Is a Basic Right

Senator Giulio Terzi (Courtesy official senate website)

Giulio Terzi, Italian Senator, Chair of the Senate EU Policies Committee, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and former Ambassador to the United States, wrote, “Freedom of belief, thought, and conscience is not a privilege granted by governments, but an innate right of every human being.

“With that same perseverance, we call together for an immediate end to the persecution in China, the release of all prisoners of conscience, and the launch of independent international investigations into the crimes committed. The Europe that believes in the values of democracy and freedom stands—and must stand—by your side.

“Thank you for your courage and for your extraordinary example in the fight for freedom, human dignity, and fundamental rights.”

Freedom of Religion Is Indispensable

Svetlana Celli (Rome City Council official website)

Svetlana Celli, President of the Rome City Council, wrote, “I extend my sincere greetings to the event organizers; this occasion holds particular significance today, fully embodying the universal values of dialogue, freedom of belief, and human dignity.

“The protection of religious freedom and the rejection of oppression in any form are indispensable pillars of a truly just and tolerant society.”

No Persecution of Faith Can Be Ignored

Senator Stefania Pucciarelli (Courtesy official senate website)Letter from Senator Stefania Pucciarelli (Minghui.org)

Senator Stefania Pucciarelli wrote, “I wish to convey a message of solidarity and support to the men and women of Falun Gong who, even now in Rome, are steadfastly and peacefully bearing witness to the universal value of freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief.

“Any system that seeks to curtail individual conscience, suppress a peaceful spiritual practice, or turn religious and moral beliefs into a political offense stands in conflict with the essential principles underpinning the international protection of human rights.

“The Italian Parliament has an abiding duty to keep a close watch on violations of fundamental rights, wherever they may occur.

“Your presence in Rome serves as a civic call to action regarding the responsibilities of institutions, society, and public opinion: no persecution based on faith, conscience, or the peaceful exercise of one’s convictions can be ignored, downplayed, or dismissed as merely an internal matter.”

Rome Municipality XII Passes Motion Condemning the Persecution

Elio Tomassetti (Courtesy official website)

Elio Tomassetti, President of Rome Municipality XII, wrote, “I wish to express my full support and solidarity with all the peaceful demonstrators, bearing in mind that Rome has always been a welcoming city—fully committed to respecting freedom and human dignity—and that Rome Municipality XII, through Motion No. 16 of July 16, 2025, has expressly condemned the systematic persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, calling for intervention by national institutions and the promotion of public information and awareness campaigns on the issue.”

Defending Human Dignity, Religious Freedom, and Freedom of Expression

Former Senator Roberto Rampi (Courtesy official senate website)

Former Senator Roberto Rampi, Rapporteur on the Right to Knowledge for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, wrote, “Defending human dignity, religious freedom, and freedom of expression represents a universal value that transcends national borders and constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of democratic societies.

“I endorse the appeal made to Italian institutions and political forces to continue promoting—through diplomatic dialogue and the mechanisms provided by international law—the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms wherever they are threatened.

“I wish the events scheduled in Rome every success and thank all those who, in a peaceful and constructive manner, are committed to defending freedom of belief, personal dignity, and universal human rights.”

Confronting Any Form of Violence

Cristina Rossi (Courtesy official website)

Councilor Cristina Rossi, Councilor for Social Policies, Equal Opportunities, and Sport for the Municipality of Guidonia, wrote, “I bring greetings—both as a local official and personally—to this event, which reminds us that peace is never a state once and for all achieved, but rather a daily practice that every culture, spiritual tradition, and community is called upon to renew.

“I am here with you today, in a spirit of respect for your tradition and solidarity with anyone facing persecution for their beliefs. For only by recognizing and confronting every form of violence—physical and psychological, visible and invisible—can we build a fairer, more equitable society together, one where the dignity of each individual truly serves as the foundation of our shared life.”

Importance of Freedom of Conscience

Elisabetta Zamparutti (Courtesy official website)

Ms. Elisabetta Zamparutti, former member of Italian Chamber of Deputies and Italian representative to the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), wrote, “Your presence reminds us of the importance of freedom of conscience. When a State seeks to govern not only people’s actions but also their spirits, their deepest convictions, their faith, or their inner quests, we are confronted with a form of totalitarianism that concerns us all and challenges the international community.

“That is why your initiative concerns not only Falun Gong and China; it concerns us all.

“...your commitment bears witness to the fact that truth can be persecuted but not erased, and that freedom can be suppressed but not defeated.”

The Whole World Should Know

Francesco Rocca (Official website of Milan City Council)

Mr. Francesco Rocca, City Councilor for the Brothers of Italy Party in Milan, wrote, “I reiterate my support and solidarity with Falun Gong practitioners who have been persecuted in China for over 25 years. We must continue to speak out against the plight of millions of people who are targeted simply for practicing their spiritual beliefs.

“The values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance lie at the heart of Falun Gong, yet Communist China arrests, tortures, and subjects to forced labor those who uphold these values. It is essential to continue raising global awareness of this grave situation.”

Nando Bonessio (Courtesy official website)

Nando Bonessio, Chair of the Sports, Well-being, and Quality of Life Committee of the Rome City Council (Campidoglio), member of the European Green Party (Europa Verde), and leader of the Greens-Left Alliance (Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra) Council Group, wrote that Falun Gong demonstrates the beauty of movement and harmony.

Sandro Petrolati (Campidoglio) (Official website)

Mr. Sandro Petrolati, Chairman of the Demos–Democrazia Solidale (Social Democratic) group in the Rome City Council, wrote, “The two-day event in Rome will be a peaceful demonstration featuring the practice of Falun Gong—spiritual exercises for mind and body centered on movement, beauty, and universal harmony, inspired by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”

Senator Andrea De Priamo (Official website)Letter from Senator Andrea De Priamo (Minghui.org)

Senator Andrea De Priamo, Chair of 1st Standing Committee (Constitutional Affairs) of the Senate and Chair of the Italy-Tibet Parliamentary Intergroup, wrote, “Defending freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is a fundamental principle upon which democracies and international law are built. For this reason, I believe it is essential to remain vigilant regarding any situation where these rights are restricted or denied.

“The European Parliament has also taken a stand on this matter; in its Resolution of January 18, 2024, it called upon the authorities of the People's Republic of China to end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, to guarantee freedom of religion and belief, and to fully respect international human rights obligations. Similarly, during the 17th Legislature, the Italian Parliament approved a motion committing the Government to demand the release of prisoners of conscience—including Falun Gong practitioners—and to resolutely combat all forms of illicit organ trafficking and the coercive practices reported by numerous international bodies.

“I am convinced that the protection of human dignity, freedom of conscience, religious freedom, and respect for cultural identities must stand as universal principles to be defended always and everywhere.”

Condemning the Persecution

Massimo Introvigne (Official website)

Mr. Massimo Introvigne, Sociologist and Editor-in-Chief of Bitter Winter, wrote, “On this twenty-seventh anniversary of the start of the persecution of Falun Gong in China, I wish to express my heartfelt solidarity with all practitioners. Your perseverance in defending freedom of belief and human dignity—in the face of pressure, intimidation, and forms of transnational repression that persist even in Europe today—stands as an example of civic courage.

“My thoughts go out in particular to the refugees who have personally endured detention, discrimination, or separation from their families. Your presence in Rome serves as a powerful reminder of the need for this persecution to finally come to an end.”

Enzo Amich (Official website)Letter from Mr. Enzo Amich (Minghui.org)

Mr. Enzo Amich, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic, wrote, “Freedom of belief, conscience, and peaceful assembly are internationally recognized fundamental rights. In this context, I express concern about the reported human rights violations against Falun Dafa practitioners and other religious and spiritual minorities in China.

“I believe that initiatives like yours can help maintain awareness of these issues and foster a calm and informed debate.”

Senator Lucio Malan (Courtesy official website)

Senator Lucio Malan, Chairman of the Brothers of Italy group in the Italian Senate, wrote, “The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights—of which China is a member state with veto power in the Security Council—enshrines freedom of conscience and religion, as well as the freedom to manifest one’s faith, either individually or collectively, through practice and worship.

“These rights must be respected in all countries and with regard to every religious belief.”