The court adjourned the trial without a verdict due to the judge, the prosecutor and the police could not response the lawyer's question regarding to Falun Gong. But nine months later, they were given nine years and five years prison term, respectively.
Mr. Xu Genyuan and Huang Youjun Sentenced to Prison after Their Trial Ends Without a Verdict
Mr. Xu Genyuan and Huang Youjun from Yueyang City, Hunan Province were recently illegally sentenced to nine years and five years in prison, respectively.
Xu and Huang were arrested on June 7, 2009, and brutally tortured, beaten, and force-fed in detention.
During their trial on October 15, 2009, prosecutor Li Weixin accused Xu and Huang of "sabotaging the implementation of state laws and executive regulations by utilizing an illegal religious organization." When defense lawyer Zhang Chuanli from Beijing requested the court to specify which law of the Chinese Constitution declared Falun Gong to be illegal, Li, the judge, and the Domestic Security agents in attendance could not respond.
Second defense lawyer Jin Guanghong from Beijing reiterated to the court that Xu and Huang were law-abiding citizens. "The behavior of practicing Falun Gong does not undermine the implementation of law and administrative regulations, public interest, or the interests of others. On the contrary, because of practicing Falun Gong, the defendants improved their physical and mental health and raised their moral level. The positive effect of Falun Gong on others also contributes to society. Because of practicing Falun Gong, the defendants and other Falun Gong practitioners have become more caring and helpful. Therefore, the defendants' conduct does no harm to society. On the contrary, it benefits the community. Falun Gong practitioners are the most stable elements of society," Jin said.
The defense lawyers requested the court to acquit Xu and Huang, but the judge adjourned the trial without a verdict.
Xu went on a six-day hunger strike to protest against the persecution and was force-fed three times in May 2010. Huang also went on a hunger strike for 17 days. Their families were not allowed to visit them in the detention center.
On June 2, 2010--nine months after their trial--Lou District Court in Yueyang City sentenced Xu to nine years and Huang to five years in prison.