(Minghui.org) Three Falun Gong practitioners were tried by Weicheng District Court in Weifang City, Shandong Province on August 2, 2016, for producing over 1,000 desktop calendars. During the trial, the attorneys rebutted the charges and stated that the practitioners have committed no crime. They asked the court to acquit the practitioners.
The judge became irate and said, “You are not seeing the trend of the trial.”
Ms. Sun Jianchun, 39, Ms. Li Zuping, 39, and her husband, Mr. Xian Chunwei, 43 were taken to court in handcuffs, shackles, and prison uniforms.
Ms. Sun told the court how she benefited from practicing Falun Gong and that it teaches people to be virtuous. The judge ordered her not to promote it.
Ms. Sun asked, “I was arrested and tried for practicing Falun Gong. Why can't I mention it?” The judge then let her continue.
The attorney stated that belief is not a crime and that the Constitution guarantees freedom of belief.
The attorney asked Ms. Li if the police had evidence when they made the arrest. Ms. Li answered no. He then pointed out that it is against the law for police to make an arrest without evidence.
Ms. Li and her husband were arrested when they left home on January 6, 2016. The police told their neighbors that the couple stole a motorcycle. The police then went to Ms. Li's home and arrested Ms. Sun, who was visiting the couple.
The attorney asked the prosecutor the reason for the arrests.
“They made over 1,000 desktop calendars.” The prosecutor replied.
The practitioners argued that the calendars promote traditional Chinese culture and encourage people to be good.
“Is it against the law to make calendars and give them to others as gifts? The calendars do not contain anything harmful to others. So what is the offense?” The attorney asked.
The prosecutor did not respond to the question.
Ms. Li and her husband said the police confiscated more than 10,000 yuan from their home and have not provided any information about this. Ms. Sun also said the police confiscated her bank card and some cash and likewise have not yet provided any information about them.
The attorneys stated that the three practitioners are innocent and should be acquitted immediately. This is when the judge cut them off, saying, “You are not seeing the trend of the trial,” and adjourned the hearing. He announced that they will have another court session at a later date.
The three practitioners are still being held in Weifang Detention Center.
