(Minghui.org) After being detained for six months, Dr. Li Changxing's heavy metal poisoning symptoms recurred in November 2017, leaving malignant sores all over his body. His weight dropped from 140 pounds to less than 90. Despite his health condition, he was made to appear in court on April 17, 2018.

As he was never given any medical attention, his health kept declining and he was in and out of consciousness. As he also became unable to stand or walk, his sentencing hearing was conducted via videoconferencing on September 6 and concluded with him sentenced to four years in prison.

Dr. Li's ordeal began on April 20, 2017, when he was arrested for tearing down posters defaming Falun Gong, a mind-body practice based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance that has been persecuted by the Chinese communist regime. The 59-year-old physician credits Falun Gong for returning him to health and giving him confidence to change his career late in life.

From Invalid to Medical Expert

Dr. Li suffered from lead and manganese poisoning at age 18 while working as a welder. He was unable to take care of himself. His fate changed in 1996 when he began to practice Falun Gong. He not only became healthy, but also gathered enough courage to return to school and earn a medical degree.

Because of his expertise, Dr. Li became a member of several medical associations on Chinese medicine and challenging diseases. However, officials closed his clinic in Wanzai County, Jiangxi Province, because of his belief in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Dr. Li Changxing, a physician and father of two, was recently sentenced to four years of imprisonment.

To avoid further persecution, Dr. Li was forced to leave Jiangxi Province in 2009 and became a physician in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province.

Poor Health Ignored by Detention Center

For many years, officials in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City have been following the persecution policy and put up slanderous posters against Falun Gong. Having benefited from the practice physically and spiritually, Dr. Li once tore down some posters in the Fengyang community. He was arrested by officers from Haizhu District on his way to work on April 20, 2017.

Starting in November 2017, the lead and manganese poisoning symptoms returned to torment Dr. Li. The deteriorating condition ranged from malignant sores all over his body to emaciation.

Officials at the Haizhu District Detention Center did not offer Dr. Li any medical treatment, nor did they notify his family or attorney.

Four Years of Imprisonment

When Dr. Li's family saw him during the first hearing on April 17, 2018, he was disfigured and severely emaciated. One family member was so distraught that she lost consciousness when going to the court to file a medical parole petition for him.

Haizhu Detention Center kept ignoring Dr. Li's family's plea for medical care, causing his condition to deteriorate. His family was also never provided a copy of his medical examination results.

Both the local court and procuratorate dismissed family members' multiple requests for release, either on bail or on medical parole.

Dr. Li currently coughs out about half a liter of phlegm each day. In addition to his inability to stand normally and swelling at multiple spots on his body, he falls into unconsciousness from time to time. He received his verdict via videoconferencing at the detention center on September 6.

Key responsible personnel:

Procuratorial office at Haizhu District Detention Center: +86-20-84176963, +86-20-84175573Cell phone number of assistant head at Haizhu District Detention Center: +86-13798098869Zhuang Zhaoxia: Secretary of Discipline Inspection of Haizhu District Procuratorate, +86-20-89016842

Related Reports:Mr. Li Changxing Experiencing Intermittent Comas Due to Persecution

Herbal Doctor's Former Health Problems Recur Due to Persecution

Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor Remains Detained for His Faith