May 24, 2007
A Mom who was jailed and tortured in a Beijing labour camp for practicing a faith that is illegal in China has been released and has returned to Islington.
Annie Yang, 44, was sent to prison in her native China in March 2005 for following the spiritual movement Falun Gong.
Her refusal to renounce her beliefs - even going on hunger strike - led to punishments including sitting on a high stool for more than 18 hours, forbidden from moving at all.
She was also starved, deprived of sleep and denied water and the right to wash herself and her clothes.
"I'm still recovering," said Mrs Yang, who is now living in Brownswood Road, Finsbury Park, and taking a computer course at City and Islington College.
"For a long period after I was released from the labour camp I had difficulty walking. I walked slower than my parents who are over 70 years old."
Now she has returned to London, and has been granted residency, Mrs Yang has spoken of the ordeal.
"My hair turned white," she said. "My mental status reached the edge of total collapse...."
Formerly an antiques dealer, Mrs Yang made regular business trips from Beijing to Islington. Her friend Agnes Wilton, a trader in Camden Passage, Islington, led a campaign for Mrs Yang's release.
Mrs Yang said: "I have no regrets. Falun Gong is good for your mind and body. In the camp they try to destroy your belief but I never gave up that belief."
