Russia: Activity in Moscow on the 6th Anniversary of the “4.25” Appeal

On April 25th 2005, a group of Moscow Falun Gong practitioners held activities in the north-east district of Moscow City to commemorate of the 6th anniversary of the “4.25” peaceful appeal outside Zhongnanhai. Banners and photo boards were displayed to let the public know about the persecution happening to Falun Gong practitioners in China. Many passers-by were attracted to the display boards.

As the practitioners started unfolding the display boards, a middle-aged woman stopped to take a careful look at the photos of persecuted practitioners. Deeply shocked by what was presented to her, she asked the practitioners how long the human rights abuses against Falun Gong had been going on. After finding out that the persecution has been happening for six years, she asked “What can I do to help you?” “We hope you can understand the facts of the persecution and sign the petition to express your support for us and the persecuted practitioners,” replied one practitioner. The lady patiently waited until the practitioner brought the petition to her and she earnestly signed her name before leaving.

Pointing at the photos on the display boards, a grandfather explained the content of each photo to his grandson, telling him about the persecution happening in China. “Do you see the police? They are never good people. They arrest the good people who cultivate ‘Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance’ and this does not stop them from unmercifully beating them. Look, how horrible it is. This man was beaten almost to death.” The little grandson felt confused, asking, “Why are good persons beaten?” “There must be something wrong with the thinking patterns of the Chinese authorities, or are they out of their minds,” was the reply. The little grandson nodded his head in agreement.

Seeing the photos of Falun Gong founder Master Li perfrming the exercises, two boys aged eleven or twelve felt like learning the exercises, too. One little practitioner and an older practitioner then taught them the five sets of exercises all in one go. The two boys learned the exercises attentively without losing track of what they were doing.

Among the passers-by there were also tourists from other countries. They took a careful look at the photo display to understand the brutal persecution happening in China. In the northeast district of Moscow, Falun Gong practitioners could be seen talking to passers-by and distributing leaflets at the subway station, at the bus stops, in the nearby stores or in the crowded markets. Within three hours, more than 1,800 leaflets were handed out.