(Minghui.org) A Chongqing resident was tried by the Jiangbei District Court on November 18, 2020, for his faith in Falun Gong, a spiritual and meditation discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.
Mr. Yuan Zhiqiang was arrested at home on May 15, 2020, after the police suspected him of providing informational materials about Falun Gong to another practitioner for distribution. His Falun Gong books, related materials, computer and printer were confiscated. He was detained at the Sanxikou Detention Center.
Mr. Yuan’s arrest was approved in late June. The police submitted his case to the Jiangbei District Procuratorate in early August. Weeks later, his lawyer submitted a legal opinion and urged the prosecutor not to indict Mr. Yuan. The authorities pressured the lawyer and warned against entering a not-guilty plea for Mr. Yuan.
During his hearing on November 18, Mr. Yuan said that no law criminalizes Falun Gong in China and that Falun Gong teaches people to be good and doesn’t pose any threats or danger to society. He emphasized that his practicing his faith and spreading information about the persecution didn't undermine the enforcement of any laws as charged.
His lawyer added that Falun Gong practitioners are honest and trustworthy and that they follow traditional values and are a group of kind people.
The judge adjourned the hearing without issuing a verdict.
Mr. Yuan’s latest detention was preceded by multiple previous arrests and over 13 years of incarceration for his faith.
Once Incarcerated and Tortured 13 Years for His Faith, Chongqing Man Arrested Again