(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioner Mr. Qiang Mengsheng was tried for the second time on May 10, 2017, with only three family members allowed in the courtroom. Other family members and some practitioners were outside the courthouse to show their support.
Two Hearings
Mr. Qiang, a farmer in his 70s, was arrested on May 28, 2016, after police broke into his home. He was initially tried on March 31, 2017, where the prosecutor abruptly left the courtroom without any explanation. The judge then adjourned the case.
At the beginning of the second hearing, the persecutor asked the judge to give Mr. Qiang between a three to five-year term. Mr. Qiang's lawyer submitted a not guilty plea. Mr. Qiang read a statement in his defense.
Harassment Outside of the Courthouse
A small group of Falun Gong practitioners and Mr. Qiang's younger sister gathered outside the courthouse. Several people from the local 610 Office dispersed the group. A local 610 officer dragged Mr. Qiang's sister into the courtyard and punched her. After she managed to get to her feet, he punched her again, knocking her to the ground.
Ms. Yang Xiaohong, a Falun Gong practitioner from Gaojia Township, was also dragged into the courtyard. Ms. Yang's husband received a phone call from the local police, demanding that he return home immediately. Upon his return, police went into the place and ransacked it. Ms. Yang was taken to a brainwashing center near Guangming Village, Gaoxin District.
Ms. Zhao Hongxing was outside the courthouse. The 610 Office staff called for the Jiangtanlu Police Station to arrest her. Three police officers came, took Ms. Zhao to the station, and interrogated her for over an hour before letting her go.
Three police officers from the Jiangtanlu Police Station went to the home of Mr. Qiang's older sister that evening and demanded that she cooperate with authorities.
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