(Minghui.org) A Qianxi County, Hebei Province resident arrested for her faith in Falun Gong had her second hearing at Zunhua City Court on October 22, 2019.
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.
Ms. Chai Shuzhen’s lawyer and younger sister defended her innocence. Her sister recounted how Falun Gong gave Ms. Chai hope in life again after her two daughters died from measles five days apart at the age of 3 and 6, respectively.
Prosecutor Yang Hailong alleged that Ms. Chai broke the law by possessing Falun Gong books and informational materials, which were confiscated from her purse at the time of her arrest.
Her sister argued that the Chinese publication bureau has already lifted its ban on Falun Gong literature in 2011. Thus, Ms. Chai shouldn’t have been prosecuted for having the materials.
Judge Wang Xiaomei asked Ms. Chai why she refused to sign her case documents. Ms. Chai responded that she didn’t violate any law in practicing Falun Gong. Just as Ms. Chai started to talk about how it was illegal for the Chinese communist regime to persecute Falun Gong, Wang stopped her, claiming that her statement was not related to her case.
Wang adjourned the hearing and said she would announce a verdict at a later time.
Ms. Chai, in her 70s, was arrested on July 12, 2019 at a farmers’ market after being reported for talking to people about Falun Gong.
She first appeared in court on October 9, 2019. The prosecutor recommended a prison sentence of 1 to 2.5 years.
Related reports:
Woman in Her Seventies Tried for Her Faith
Hebei Woman, in Her 70s, Faces Trial for Her Faith
Ms. Chai Shuzhen Arrested Again for Telling People about the Persecution of Falun Gong