(Minghui.org) A prosecutor used Shen Yun Performing Arts DVDs as “evidence” in his case against Falun Dafa practitioners. The defense attorneys challenged his contention by demanding that the Shen Yun video be played in the courtroom.
The Yangqu County Court of Shanxi Province tried the four practitioners on February 20, 2014.
Attorneys for practitioners Ms. Liu Fenglin, Mr. Liu Jingyuan, and Mr. Hou Qinggong pleaded not guilty on behalf of their clients and called for their immediate release.
Ms. Zhao Yunxia defended herself and pleaded not guilty. She said that practicing Falun Dafa is legal and that she refused to answer any question.
The evidence presented by the prosecutor was anti-firewall computer software, Shen Yun Performing Arts DVDs, and flyers that told the facts about the persecution. The defense attorneys objected.
The attorneys argued that anti-firewall software is a popular technical tool, and they themselves used it. They argued that there wouldn't be any such software if there were no censorship. They said that this evidence was inadmissible.
They asked that the Shen Yun Performing Arts DVD be played during the trial.
They also asked that the flyers be read and that the prosecutor point out which part of the flyer violated the law.
In addition, the attorneys argued that the confessions given by two of their clients were inadmissible because they were obtained through threats and deception, and especially since the documents were altered.
The court was adjourned.
The four practitioners were arrested in Yangqu County for giving out flyers that discussed the persecution of Falun Dafa. They were doing this in the countryside on September 5, 2013.
Ms. Zhao and Ms. Liu have been detained in the Taiyuan No. 1 Detention Center. Mr. Liu and Mr. Hou are in the Yangqu County Detention Center.
