Falun Gong Protests and Anti-Persecution Actions in Washington, D.C

Falun gong Marks 26 Years of Persecution with US Capital Rallies and Calls for Justice

Washington D.C. – As July 20, 2025, marks 26 years as the chinese Communist Party (CCP) initiated its brutal crackdown on Falun Gong, practitioners are gathering in the U.S. capital for a series of events aimed at raising awareness and demanding an end to the ongoing persecution. Live broadcasts from NTD and Epoch Times will cover the day’s proceedings.

The CCP’s suppression, which began on July 20, 1999, targets the Falun gong practice of “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.” The article describes a history of severe human rights abuses, including torture, imprisonment, and allegations of forced organ harvesting, alongside systematic efforts to discredit and eliminate practitioners. Despite this, Falun Gong adherents have consistently engaged in peaceful protests and truth-telling campaigns to highlight their plight and awaken global conscience.

Activities planned for July 20, 2025, in Washington D.C. are set to include:

Public Gathering: From 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time, a public gathering will feature speeches from American politicians and representatives of non-governmental organizations, offering support for Falun Gong and calling for the cessation of persecution.
Grand Parade: From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time, a grand parade will proceed from the rally site on 4th Street, along Pennsylvania Avenue, and conclude at freedom Plaza. This event will be accessible via live broadcast online and on television.
Capitol hill Forum: From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, a forum will be held at the Congressional Auditorium. This session, sponsored by the Global Retirement Service Center, will focus on ending the persecution of Falun Gong and supporting the “quit the Party” movement in mainland China. U.S.Congressmen and notable figures in national security, human rights, and religious freedom are expected to participate. Registration information is available via a QR code on the event poster or at global.tuidang.org.
Candlelight Vigil: The day will conclude with a candlelight vigil from 7:00 PM to 9:40 PM Eastern Time. This solemn event will begin with collective exercises at 7:00 PM, followed by the vigil at 8:30 PM to commemorate Falun gong practitioners who have died due to CCP persecution.

The events will be broadcast live on NTD YouTube and Ganjing World.

What are the primary goals of the Falun Gong protests in Washington, D.C.?

A History of Peaceful Resistance

For over two decades,Washington,D.C. has been a focal point for Falun Gong practitioners and their supporters demonstrating against the persecution of Falun Gong in China. These Falun Gong protests aren’t simply demonstrations; they represent a sustained, largely peaceful effort to raise awareness about human rights abuses and advocate for change. The core issue centers around the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) crackdown on Falun Gong, a spiritual practice combining meditation and moral teachings, which began in 1999.

Key Protest Locations & Recurring Events

Several locations in the nation’s capital have become synonymous with these ongoing efforts:

Lafayette Square: Directly across from the White House, this is a frequent site for silent protests, meditation exercises, and displays illustrating the persecution.

the National Mall: Large-scale rallies and events, frequently enough coinciding with significant dates or visits by Chinese officials, are held on the National Mall.

Embassy Row: Protests outside the Chinese Embassy are common, directly addressing the source of the alleged persecution.

Capitol Hill: Practitioners regularly engage with lawmakers to advocate for resolutions and legislation condemning the persecution.

Recurring events include:

Annual Commemorations: Marking the start of the persecution (July 20, 1999) with large-scale vigils and demonstrations.

Global Falun Gong Week: A coordinated international effort to raise awareness, often featuring events in D.C.

Protests During High-Level Visits: Demonstrations timed to coincide with visits by Chinese government officials.

The Nature of the Protests: Peaceful Advocacy

The Falun Dafa protests in D.C. are overwhelmingly characterized by their peaceful nature. Practitioners emphasize non-violent resistance,focusing on raising awareness through:

Silent Vigils: Practitioners frequently enough sit in silent meditation,holding banners and displaying details about the persecution.

Artistic displays: Elaborate displays depicting torture methods allegedly used against Falun Gong practitioners in China are frequently exhibited.These displays aim to visually communicate the severity of the situation.

Musical Performances: Customary chinese music, often performed by practitioners, adds a cultural element to the protests.

Information Booths: Providing literature, personal testimonies, and opportunities for dialog with the public.

Re-enactments: Dramatic re-enactments of persecution incidents, intended to educate and evoke empathy.

This commitment to peaceful protest has been noted by various observers and law enforcement agencies. The focus remains on appealing to the conscience of the international community and advocating for an end to the alleged abuses.

Allegations of Persecution & Human Rights Concerns

The core of the protests revolves around allegations of severe human rights abuses against Falun Gong practitioners in China. These allegations include:

Arbitrary Arrests and Detention: Reports of widespread arrests and detention of practitioners without due process.

Torture and Abuse: Claims of systematic torture, including physical and psychological abuse, in detention centers and labor camps.

Organ Harvesting: The most serious and controversial allegation – the forced removal of organs from Falun Gong prisoners of conscience. Independent investigations and reports have raised concerns about this issue, though the Chinese government denies the claims. (see sources below for further information).

Propaganda and Brainwashing: Allegations of state-sponsored propaganda campaigns aimed at demonizing Falun Gong and forcing practitioners to renounce their beliefs.

Restrictions on Freedom of Belief: Suppression of Falun Gong-related materials and restrictions on practitioners’ ability to practice their faith.

These allegations have prompted condemnation from human rights organizations and calls for independent investigations.

Governmental & International Response

The anti-persecution actions have garnered varying levels of response from the U.S.government and international bodies:

Congressional resolutions: Several resolutions have been passed by the U.S. Congress condemning the persecution of Falun Gong and calling for an end to human rights abuses in China.

State Department Reports: The U.S. State Department has included reports on the persecution of Falun Gong in it’s annual reports on human rights practices.

Sanctions: Individuals and entities implicated in human rights abuses have been subject to sanctions by the U.S. government.

International Advocacy: Falun Gong practitioners have actively lobbied international organizations, such as the United Nations, to address the issue.

European Parliament Resolutions: Similar resolutions condemning the persecution have been adopted by the European Parliament.

Though, critics argue that the response has been insufficient and that stronger action is needed to hold the Chinese government accountable.

Impact and Ongoing Efforts

The sustained protests in Washington, D.C.have undoubtedly raised awareness about the situation of Falun Gong in China. The ongoing efforts aim to:

End the Persecution: The ultimate goal is to bring an end to the alleged persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in china.

Hold perpetrators Accountable: Advoc