(Minghui.org) An internist in Haicheng City, Liaoning Province, was sentenced to three years on October 23, 2025, because she practices Falun Gong. While awaiting the results of her appeal case, Dr. Zhao Junfang developed life-threatening conditions and her family is very worried about her.
Dr. Zhao, 63, was arrested on May 28, 2025. She has been held at the Anshan City First Women’s Detention Center since then. Her family learned in July 2025 that she developed high blood pressure while in custody, with her systolic reading reaching 213 mmHg at one point (when a normal range is 120 or lower).
The police submitted the case to the procuratorate on July 23, 2025. Dr. Zhao’s lawyer requested she be released, but his request was rejected by the police officer in charge and the detention center director, Zhao Hongbo (no relation to Dr. Zhao).
Prosecutor Zhang Yi indicted Dr. Zhao on August 18, 2025. During a visit with her lawyer, Dr. Zhao said that she bled on three occasions and she was taken to an outside hospital for examination. The doctors said she had severe HPV infection and recorded a systolic blood pressure reading of 226 mmHg.
Dr. Zhao stood trial at the Lishan District Court on October 21, 2025. Her family was shocked when they were told of her health. They rushed to the detention center after the hearing to request a copy of her medical records and to demand she be released on bail. A guard said that one must have had the medical condition for at least six months before a bail request could be considered.
The family asked to see detention center officials. The guard said the higher-ups were having a meeting and couldn’t meet with them. They waited for more than two hours and were still unable to talk to anyone in charge.
Judge Wang Yihan sentenced Dr. Zhao to three years on October 23, 2025. She appealed with the Anshan City Intermediate Court and the case was registered on November 11.
Dr. Zhao’s family recently learned that her systolic blood pressure reading rose to 236 mmHg at one point (when a normal range is 120 or lower). She also experienced numbness in one part of her body and her mind felt foggy.
Prior to her latest sentencing, Dr. Zhao served two prison sentences for her faith, totaling eight years.
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