(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners held a rally in the center of Stockholm on May 9, 2026, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, which falls on May 13. They invited officials and the community to join the celebration, and three Members of Parliament (MP) sent letters to mark the occasion.

Gustav Adolfs torg (square), the historic, cultural, and political center of Stockholm, is bordered by the Royal Swedish Opera and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. As visitors filled the square on Saturday, May 9, a sunshiny spring day, Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrated the exercises, introduced the practice to passersby, played the waist drums, and performed a celestial maiden dance.

The letter from Markus Wiechel MP was read aloud at the rally. He wrote: “It is a day filled with joy, gratitude, and inspiration. It is a celebration of tradition, goodwill, and individual responsibility for one’s own health and morality. The principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance constitute a powerful path to personal development and a better society. I pay tribute to all those who live by these universal values every day and spread peace, compassion, and inner strength to those around them.”

Markus Wiechel MP and his letter (Minghui.org)

Mr. Wiechel also condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. He wrote: “At the same time, it is a day of seriousness. For 27 years, the Chinese communist regime has carried out a brutal, systematic persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and many others who do not submit to the regime’s oppression. Peaceful people have been subjected to torture, imprisonment, forced labor, and, perhaps most shockingly, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from living people.

“This is not just a violation of human rights; it is a violation of humanity. As a Member of Parliament, I have consistently engaged in these issues for many years, through written questions on sanctions against China; joint statements in support of Falun Dafa, among others; and, not least, motions on organ harvesting, in which we have particularly highlighted the fact that healthy Falun Gong practitioners are being targeted as victims precisely because they are healthy and well.

“No persecution, no matter how long or cruel, can stifle the truth. The practitioners’ peaceful and dignified resistance for 27 years is a powerful reminder that goodness and patience ultimately triumph over violence and lies. Therefore, today, let us not only celebrate but also renew our promise to stand up for religious freedom, solidarity, and human rights, no matter where in the world they are threatened.

“To all who have gathered to celebrate Falun Dafa Day: Thank you for your courage and your inspiration. You are making the world a better place. I am proud to stand by your side, even if I cannot be physically present today. With warm greetings and hopes for a brighter future!”

I Stand With You

Nima Gholam Ali Pour MP sent greetings (Minghui.org)

Nima Gholam Ali Pour MP sent a video greeting. He said, “Today, we come together to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day—a day that celebrates values that, for many of you, are not just ideas but real experiences shaped by challenges, bravery, and strength. The principles of being truthful, kind and patient are not just personal qualities, they are a quiet but strong stand against oppression.”

He stated that he would stand with Falun Gong practitioners to counter the CCP’s persecution. He said: “When people are targeted for their beliefs, democracy is no longer just a thought; it becomes about protection, justice, and the right to live without fear. Your perseverance in the face of oppression is a powerful reminder that these values must be defended not only in free societies, but especially where they are under threat.

“I want to make it clear that I stand with you in your struggle against the dictatorship in China. No one should be persecuted because of their faith or beliefs. The international community has a responsibility to speak out against such abuses and to support those who peacefully stand up for their rights.

“It is important to recognize all those who, for many years, have resisted oppression through peaceful means and continued to assert their dignity despite immense pressure. Your resilience sends a message far beyond China’s borders.

“In a world marked by conflict, instability, and growing authoritarian tendencies, your commitment to these principles matters. It reminds us that, even under the harshest conditions, the human desire for freedom cannot be extinguished.”

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is Relevant to Each of Us

Emma Ahlström Köster MP also sent greetings. She wrote that she was pleased to have the opportunity to extend her sincere greetings to the Falun Dafa Day celebrations at Gustav Adolfs torg.

Emma Ahlström Köster MP (File photo)

She also wrote, “This celebration reminds us about inner peace, physical and mental well-being, and universal love—these values resonate deeply with each and every one of us. This day also serves to honor the courage and resilience demonstrated over the years by practitioners of Falun Dafa. May you all enjoy a wonderful celebration filled with joy and the warmth of one another’s company.”