Falun Dafa Week Begins in Sydney – Member of Parliament Hosts Opening Ceremony(Photos)

By a Falun Dafa Practitioner in Sydney

On the morning of June 12, practitioners held Marrickville
Falun Dafa Week at a square located in the center of the city. Mr Anthony
Albanese MP, Minister for Ageing and Seniors and Mr. Stephen Sim, Host of 2NSB
Radio, co-hosted the opening ceremony and gave speeches.

Mr Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Ageing and Seniors is speaking	Practitioner from Marrickville presenting flower to Mr. Stephen Sim
Practitioners in traditional Chinese costume is distributing flyers	Resident reads information on flyers carefully

Mr. Stephen said, “Two year ago when I hosted a celebration in Ryde, Falun
Gong was one of the organizations participating in the activity. Since then
I learned Falun Gong and know the true story of persecution of Falun Gong in
China. I was deeply touched by Falun Gong. Falun Gong left deep impression on
me. I raise my both hands, as an Australian everyone of us should do something
to stop Chinese government’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in
China.”

When asked what he thought about genocide lawsuit brought against Chinese former
dictator Jiang, Mr. Stephen said, ” From the point of justice, this is a very
good thing. Genocide has happened throughout history. Unfortunately it is still
happening. Jiang’s regime started the brutal persecution four years ago.
Now he is being sued. He will be proved to be guilty and should be punished
according to law. I hope justice will prevail.” Mr. Albanese said, “The important
thing is that people’s basic human rights should be respected. People in
democratic countries should stand up against the persecution of Falun Gong in
China. Chinese people should have the right to practice and believe in truth,
compassion and tolerance. People’s basic rights such as religious beliefs
and viewpoints should be not persecuted.”

At the opening ceremony, Falun Gong practitioners performed traditional Chinese
costume dances and vocal performances.

The Falun Dafa Week celebration runs from June 11 to 17, featuring exercise
demonstrations and a Journey of Falun Dafa Photo Exhibition.

Posting date: 18/June/2003
Original article date: 16/June/2003
Category: Australian News