On this Monday morning, the discipline of the Falun Gong members is faultless. A public order team, composed mainly of local Chinese, draws attention to respect for the pedestrian crossings. They practise the exercises of the method to the rhythm of Chinese music which is animated by vocal instructions. Some have formed national groups. A strong Taiwanese team holds aloft its placard.
Communication is in English or by hand signs.
A Swede in mandarin costume lends his exercise mat to an elderly Parisian Chinese. There is an innocence in the air. But the gaze directed towards the United Nations remains serious. To explain the purpose of the demonstration, a press conference is taking place at the Vieux-Bois Restaurant on the avenue de la Paix. The President of the International Committee for the Human Rights of Falun Gong is the principal guest.