(Minghui.org) More than 20 Falun Gong practitioners have been detained at the Dandong Detention Center for more than 40 days. They were arrested on April 18 and 19, 2015.

Several practitioners, among them, Mr. Zhang Wei went on a hunger strike, during the first day of their arrest. Mr. Zhang's life is at risk.

Officials from the detention center refuse to meet with the families who are demanding the release of the practitioners.

The Dandong Detention Center, Dongqang and Dandong Police Department are blocking news of the arrests and the health condition of the practitioners.

Notorious for Torturing Practitioners

Over a dozen practitioners were tortured in the Dandong Detention Center, between 2012 and 2013.

Ms. Guo Yunlan was paralyzed because of a brain stem injury.

Ms. Wang Xuemei went in and out of a coma while detained at the center.

Ms. Teng Xiuling lost her ability to speak.

The Dandong Detention Center forge physical examination reports, so practitioners who do not pass the medical exam will be sentenced to prison terms.

Wang Jing is the head of the detention center.