(Minghui.org) Ms. Huang Chaozhen was tried on May 9, 2013, in the Jiangyang District Court in Luzhou, Sichuan Province. Earlier that morning, a banner with large black letters appeared on the bottom granite step in front of the courthouse with the words: “The CCP Is an Evil Cult That Destroys the Rule of Law.” On the middle step, another banner in large black letters said: “The CCP Is an Evil Cult.”
That day, everyone who worked at the courthouse, everyone who had to visit the courthouse on business, and everyone who came to attend hearings, including members of the procuratorate and attorneys, all stepped on “The CCP Is an Evil Cult” banner as they entered.
There were also posters with adhesive backing mounted all over the streets around the courthouse, proclaiming, “The CCP Is an Evil Cult”, “Release Falun Gong Practitioner Huang Chaozhen Unconditionally,” “It Is Legal To Have a Belief—Persecution Is Illegal,” “Falun Dafa Is Good,” etc. The posters were up for several hours before being removed. At about 9 a.m., courthouse employees took photos of the banners on the steps and the posters. At about 10 a.m., cleaners removed them.
Security check to enter the courthouse
The court set up a checkpoint at the entrance that day. Everyone who entered was checked, as well as their belongings. Because so many people wanted to attend Ms. Huang's trial, it was moved from courtroom No. 9 to the largest courtroom in the building, which is located in the center of the courthouse. The room was packed. Some people stood in the rear aisles. Some stayed in the hall outside the courtroom. Many people did not enter the courthouse and just stood on street outside.
There are several fixed cameras in the courtroom. Domestic security agents and personnel from the 610 Office walked among the crowd. Plainclothes police took pictures in the courtroom and on the street outside.
Ms. Huang defends herself
Presiding Judge Kang Lu (female) convened the trial at about 10 a.m. The public prosecutor intended to ask for a sentence of three to five years in prison for Ms. Huang, according to the 300 th item in Criminal Code of Law. Ms. Huang, however, put forth a powerful defense for herself.
Ms. Huang's attorney puts forth a thorough defense
Her attorney made a wide-ranging not guilty defense statement that included points from current Chinese law, protecting an individual’s human rights, maintaining the dignity of the Constitution, and freedom of belief. He concluded that it was legal to practice Falun Gong, that Ms. Huang Chaozhen didn't violate any laws, that she should be released with no charge.
Judge refuses to announce a verdict
In the face of this defense and with such a large crowd in attendance, the judges would not issue a verdict. The chief judge announced an adjournment and said a decision would be handed down another day.
The spectators applaud the defense
The defense attorney’s statements stunned the spectators. When the judge tried to prevent the lawyer from continuing, the crowd clapped loudly, encouraging the attorney to finish. The judge was embarrassed and said, “I just stated the rule that the court does not allow applause. Why don’t you follow it?” Yet, when the lawyer finished his defense statement, there was another around of loud applause.
