(Minghui.org) A Chongqing resident was arrested on April 25, 2020 for his faith in Falun Gong, a mind-body practice that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999.

Mr. Zhang Lijiang, around 50, was walking in a local plaza when a few officers suddenly approached and arrested him. He was then brought to the local police station for interrogation.

Mr. Zhang refused to admit guilt for upholding his faith and urged the police to stop participating in the persecution, which had no legal basis to begin with.

Mr. Zhang, a middle school teacher, took up Falun Gong in 1998. He credits the practice for helping him quit smoking, gambling and many other bad habits. Because of holding fast to his faith, he was sentenced to three years in 2005 and fired by his school.

His family was also implicated in the persecution. His son was often bullied and humiliated at school, and his mother also lived in tremendous fear.