Falun Gong Practitioners on Hunger Strike in Fushun City

Since April 17 of this year, more than a dozen Falun Gong practitioners in Fushun City, Liaoning Province have been arrested. It is believed that they are being held at the City Detention Center. Many of them have gone on a hunger strike to counter the persecution. Further details are unknown at this time as police have not allowed any information about them to be released and have denied family visits. The police covered the practitioners' entire heads with black cloth bags when they arrested them.

Guangming Police Station in Wanghua District, and many other stations as well as the Domestic Security Team, participated in this large-scale arrest. Many of these practitioners' families continue to go to Wanghua District Police Branch to call for the release of their loved ones.

Reportedly, police ransacked the homes of Ms. Wang Hongxia, who has been a business woman for many years, and her sister, and a large number of personal belongings were taken away in a police car. Ms. Wang Hongxia was so severely beaten that she couldn't walk. The two sisters have been on a hunger strike to counter the persecution. Xiao Deng, Wang Hongxia's husband, was arrested too, but sent home because of his poor health.

Ms. Wang Xiaoli was arrested by Fumin Police Station. Money reserved for her children's school fees was confiscated by the police when they ransacked her home. The police began choking Ms. Wang and beat her legs until they were swollen. The police have set up constant surveillance at her home for the last several days and her husband is not allowed to leave the premises.

Ms. Wang Li, more than 40 years old, made her living by selling batteries. All of her goods were taken away and confiscated by the police when she was arrested.

Mr. Gao Song was arrested and his home raided by the police. His father has passed away and his mother is in poor health. In addition, his younger brother is mentally impaired and dependent on others for care. After Mr. Gao was arrested, his mother and younger brother disappeared. No one is at home.

Dr. Zhu, who lives in Hedong District, Fushun City, was arrested and his home raided. Police confiscated many of his personal belongings, such as platinum necklaces, rings, cash, and a motorcycle.

Ms. Meng Yajuan was arrested by Zhanqian Police Station who had been hiding out at her home. The police confiscated many personal belonging when they ransacked her home, including 300 yuan that was set aside for her child's schooling. Only later did Meng Yajuan return home. Ms. Zhang Xianglian was arrested by Fumin police. Mr. Wang, a teacher who lives on Liangzhan Street, was arrested. Mr. Feng Kai was arrested by Fumin Police Station. Police officers also arrested Mr. Wang Xiuguo and his wife, Zhang Xiangxia, Mr. Han, who lives in Dongzhou District, Ms. Gao, who lives on Erdao Street, Wang Hongbin, who lives in Dongzhou District, and a dozen other practitioners whose names are unknown.