(Minghui.org) When an elderly couple from Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province was tried this February, the public prosecutor accused them of “using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement” and recommended that they be sentenced to three and a half years.
The lawyer representing the husband defended his client's constitutional right to practice Falun Gong and to disseminate information about the practice. The wife, who did not have a lawyer, testified how Falun Gong gave her a healthy mind and body, and contended that she should not be prosecuted for upholding her belief to be a good person.
In the end, the prosecutor conceded that he no longer had any objection to the couple's innocence. The judge also said he understood the defense argument that Falun Gong is not a cult. He adjourned the trial without issuing a verdict, and the couple's family members and supporters hope that he will acquit the couple.
Couple's Arrest and Lawyer's Arguments
Ms. Gao Xiulan was arrested while distributing flyers about the persecution of Falun Gong in a residential area. Her husband Mr. Zhao Chengxiao was taken away by police while burning CDs of Falun Gong literature at home.
The prosecutor used items confiscated from the couple and their home as evidence against them. He read in his indictment that “a computer, 70 CDs, 300 Falun Gong flyers and several seal stamps engraved with words reading 'Falun Dafa is good' were proof that the couple engaged in activities sabotaging law enforcement.”
In response, the lawyer pointed out that China's constitution guarantees citizens' right to freedom of belief and freedom of the press; hence, his client has every right to practice Falun Gong and to produce, possess and distribute materials about the practice. In addition, his client's practice of Falun Gong caused no harm to anyone, let alone undermine law enforcement.
The lawyer further argued that Falun Gong practitioners follow the principles of “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” to be good people, so it cannot be considered an “evil cult.” Moreover, there has never been a law criminalizing Falun Gong. Therefore, he argued, the communist regime's persecution of the practice has been illegal from the outset.
After hearing the lawyer and Ms. Gao’s testimony, the judge said, “I understand you clearly–Falun Gong is not an evil religion.”
The trial was held on February 5, 2015 at Ranghulu District Court in Daqing. More than 50 friends and relatives of the practitioners were present to show their support.
