(Minghui.org) An interior designer in Anshan City, Liaoning Province, stood trial on March 28, 2023 for his faith in Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.

Mr. Zhao Yubo

As Mr. Zhao Yubo’s family defender, his father requested prosecutor Xiang Shi of Lishan District Procuratorate to exhibit the prosecution evidence in court, including the Falun Gong books and other materials confiscated from Mr. Zhao. Judge Wang Tiejie said the items weren’t available.

As prosecutor Xiang charged Mr. Zhao with “undermining law enforcement with a cult organization,” his father asked Xiang to explain what was Mr. Zhao’s alleged role in the so-called cult organization, how he allegedly undermined law enforcement, and what evidence there was to show he caused any damage. Mr. Zhao’s father also pressed Xiang to provide the legal basis for identifying Falun Gong as a cult. The prosecutor remained silent.

Mr. Zhao began to practice Falun Gong in July 1997 when he was 14. He went from being an introverted, passive, and rebellious person to one who was outgoing, warm, and ready to help. His academic performance also improved quickly and he was well-regarded by his classmates. 

Because he refused to renounce Falun Gong, he was frequently harassed at home and at school. His teachers and school administrators threatened to expel him. With no other choice, he quit school in 2000 and studied on his own, eventually becoming a successful interior designer. 

Mr. Zhao was arrested on September 21, 2022, in the residence he shared with his father. His work computer, a broken printer, Falun Gong books, ID, cellphone, 6,400 US dollars, 18,000 yuan, and other personal belongings were confiscated. After two days at the police station, he was transferred to the Xiuyan Detention Center. 

On the same day of Mr. Zhao’s arrest, his maternal grandmother passed away, which dealt his mother a heavy blow.

Prosecutor Xiang indicted Mr. Zhao and moved his case to the Lishan District Court, without ever talking to Mr. Zhao. When asked by Mr. Zhao why he skipped the required interview with him, Xiang cited the pandemic as an excuse. But Mr. Zhao said he saw Xiang talking to other detainees in the detention center during the time, while specifically skipping him.

Both prosecutor Xiang and judge Wang have indicted and sentenced multiple Falun Gong practitioners.

Related report:

Forced to Drop Out of School at 17, Self-taught Interior Designer Arrested for His Faith