(Minghui.org) The upcoming Chinese New Year, celebrated this year on February 19, isn't easy for Mr. Yuan Shaohua, an imprisoned Falun Gong practitioner.

His wife, who visited him on February 3, said that he suffered a heart attack while in prison. His face looked dark and he was very weak and exhausted. His condition had worsened from when she saw him a month ago.

When she expressed her concern, the guard said: “There are many others who are in worse condition.”

She said that her husband shouldn't be persecuted for his belief in Falun Gong. The guard responded: “Don't talk about Falun Gong. One more word and I won't allow you to see him!” He then cut the visit short.

Mr. Yuan was transferred from the Zhangqiu Detention Center hospital to the Shandong Prison hospital by police on December 26, 2014. This took place only four days after the prison refused to accept him due to high blood pressure.

Arrest and Sentencing

Mr. Yuan Shaohua, a Falun Gong practitioner from Qingdao, Shandong is serving a four-year prison term because he re-enacted torture methods used on the practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

He was arrested alongside a dozen Falun Gong practitioners on May 2, 2013. He was tried on July 17, 2014 by Shibei District Court and sentenced to four years in prison. The sentences given to the other practitioners ranged from three to ten years.

Several practitioners reported that they were mistreated while in prison and police custody. Ms. Liu Xiuzhen, who was sentenced to three years, fell seriously ill in Jinan Women's Prison. An x-ray showed dark shadows on her lung.

Mr. Yang Naijian, who was sentenced to six years, lost a great deal of weight shortly after he arrived at the prison. He couldn't walk unaided, and has heart problems and high blood pressure.

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