(Minghui.org) While her husband was still serving a 8.5-year prison term, Ms. Liu Jinru passed away on October 22, 2018, after suffering more than two years of physical struggles due to torture while in police custody following the couple's arrests for their faith in Falun Gong in June 2016.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a mind-body discipline persecuted by the communist regime since 1999.

Mr. Zhang Jingquan, who began serving time at Gongzhuling Prison in April 2017, hasn't been informed of his wife's death.

The couple, from Siping City, Jilin Province, were seized from their home on June 16, 2016. The police ransacked their residence and confiscated more than 180,000 yuan in cash.

Ms. Liu was severely tortured at the police station. She suffered from a torn muscle and ruptured tendon in her left calf and underwent surgery. Upon returning home, she had symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, and high blood pressure, up to 210/140 mmHg. She frequently fainted and was mentally disoriented.

Mr. Zhang was later secretly tried and sentenced to an 8.5-year prison term in November 2016. His appeal to Siping City Intermediate Court was turned down in March 2017. The local authorities transferred him to prison without informing his family as required by law.

The couple wasn't allowed to see each other after their arrests.

Related reports:

Jilin Man Given 8.5 Years for Refusing to Renounce Falun Gong

Jilin Man Convicted for His Faith Loses Appeal, Secretly Transferred to Prison

Defense Lawyer Not Allowed To Meet Client in Jilin Province