(Minghui.org) A Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province resident was tried for her faith in Falun Gong, a mind-body practice that has been persecuted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.

Ms. Gan Xuemei, a former music teacher, was arrested on August 29, 2020 for talking to people about the persecution of Falun Gong. She was tried by the Dujiangyan City Court on April 16, 2021 through a video conference at the Chengdu Detention Center.

The court didn’t notify her lawyer of the hearing until three days prior. Several of her family members were blocked by the court from attending the hearing. Only her husband, younger brother and sister-in-law were allowed to enter the courtroom.

Ms. Gan’s lawyer entered a not guilty plea for her. He argued that no law has criminalized Falun Gong in China and that no evidence has demonstrated how Ms. Gan has harmed anyone in the society.

Ms. Gan testified in her own defense. She recounted how her health has improved and her character has elevated from practicing Falun Gong. She maintained that she didn’t do anything wrong in upholding her faith.

Prior to her latest persecution, Ms. Gan has been sentenced to 15 months by the same Dujiangyan City Court on April 5, 2017.