(Minghui.org) Practitioners in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, held a rally in the center of the city on July 18, 2026, to oppose the 27-year persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Through group exercises, and displaying banners and posters, they introduced the practice to passersby and exposed the CCP’s suppression which began in July 1999.
Several elected officials wrote letters supporting practitioners’ efforts and affirming their commitment to freedom of belief. Many people were surprised to hear the extent of brutality, and signed petitions calling to end the tragedies.
Practitioners' rally on July 18 in Düsseldorf, the sixth largest city in Germany (Minghui.org)
Officials Condemn Religious Persecution
Practitioners read letters of support sent by four officials in North Rhine-Westphalia. “Behind the human rights abuse are families who want to live freely and with dignity,” wrote Günter Krings, member of Parliament and chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regional group (Landesgruppe) of North Rhine-Westphalia.
“As a Christian and a member of parliament, I deeply feel the importance of respect for freedom of religion and belief worldwide. It is one of the fundamental human rights and an integral part of every free and democratic society,” he continued. “We cannot stand idly by when people are persecuted, intimidated, or deprived of their freedom because of their belief.” Krings also thanked the event organizers for their commitment to raising awareness of the victims’ plight and remembering their suffering.
Additional letters read at the rally were received from Karl-Josef Laumann (North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs), Nicole Wilms (Chair of the Social Affairs, Health and Equality Committee of the Mönchengladbach City Council), and Rocco Wilken (Mayor of Vlotho).
People read materials, talk with practitioners, and learn about the CCP’s persecution. (Minghui.org)
The Power of Kindness
The peaceful scene of Falun Gong practitioners practicing the exercises attracted Julia and her boyfriend to stop and watch. Julia was shocked to hear what was going on in China, and said. “It’s all so terrible, there’s no need to say more. It’s strange that people go to that extent [organ harvesting].”
After signing a petition calling for an end to the persecution, Julia also praised the inner strength shown by Falun Gong practitioners. “I felt a power of goodness here, and I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I deeply cherish this experience and feeling of goodness.”
After hearing about the persecution, passersby sign a petition calling for an end to the persecution. (Minghui.org)
The peaceful scene attracted many passersby. Sieh from India read the materials and said, “Seeing the practitioners meditating so calmly deeply touched me. It is unimaginable that the CCP has been spreading slanderous propaganda against Falun Gong,” he said, adding that he would continue reading and paying attention to the persecution.
Photographer Kevin, carrying a professional camera, and his friend stayed at the booth for a long time. He asked if he could take photos, and explained that he wanted to share the content on his channel, and that this event meant a great deal to him. Kevin said he already knew about Falun Gong and was deeply saddened by the CCP’s persecution. He also hoped to receive notification of the next event so he could contribute to ending the persecution.
People Praise Dafa’s Principles
Naza from Iran stood quietly on one side of the pedestrian street, and watched as practitioners did the exercises. After she heard that the CCP has been suppressing the practice, she said it was because the regime wanted to control people. She also said that communism is a dark energy. “It can make people cold-blooded. Things like forced organ harvesting are the result of the spread of dark forces,” she explained.
Nasajue was impressed that Falun Gong practitioners adhere to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and do not give up their faith even when they are persecuted. She said this demonstrates extraordinary courage, and makes her feel the power of goodness.
“The path of spiritual practice exists within the heart. When people truly put it into practice, they can awaken their own power of goodness and know how to face things,” she continued. Despite her concerns about the CCP’s transnational persecution, Nasajue said she was inspired by the courage of Falun Gong practitioners, and signed the petition calling for an end to the suppression. She also encouraged practitioners to persevere.
Chinese People Withdraw From the CCP
Chinese people also stopped to talk with Falun Gong practitioners, and accepted informational materials. Some agreed to withdraw from the CCP and its affiliated organizations.
A Chinese man told a practitioner that freedom of belief does not exist in China because the CCP is an atheistic organization. As a Christian, he believes that both Falun Gong and Christianity teach people to be good and kind, therefore he feels that Falun Gong is an upright faith. “I saw the CCP’s true nature many years ago by circumventing Internet censorship, and I lost hope in the CCP,” he said. He declared his withdrawal from the CCP and its affiliated organizations.
When a Chinese girl and her German friend passed by the booth, a practitioner greeted them. The girl, who had been living abroad for many years, said she already knew the facts about Falun Gong, but she was hesitant to renounce her membership in the CCP and its affiliated organizations.
After the practitioners explained in detail how the CCP harmed innocent people in its numerous political campaigns, the girl agreed to withdraw from the CCP’s Young Pioneers organization. She also thanked practitioners for their efforts.
Working Together to Stop the Persecution
Maggie Matuszak from Poland (Minghui.org)
Maggie Matuschak from Poland stopped in front of the poster that exposed the CCP’s 27-year persecution, and said, “It’s horrific. Action must be taken. Enough is enough! Everyone yearns for freedom and has the right to it. We are human beings and deserve to be treated like human beings.”
When she heard that some Falun Gong practitioners at the event had lost their jobs or were tortured in China for upholding their belief, Maggie said, “We must fight to the end. Even if not for ourselves, it’s for our children and for the betterment of others. Just like what we’re doing here, or in other ways, we will never give up for the freedom of all people.”
She said she previously watched videos about the human rights situation in China. “I am really heartbroken. I sincerely hope this persecution ends soon,” she said.
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Category: July 20 Events
