(Minghui.org) A Tianjin court recently held two hearings for a woman who possessed DVDs of traditional Chinese dance performances. The defendant stated that giving people these DVDs is promoting traditional Chinese culture, which is not a crime.
The first hearing against Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Wang Guirong (王桂荣) was held at the Tanggu District Court in Tianjin on October 14. Ms. Wang stated that the Shen Yun Performing Arts DVDs portray traditional Chinese dances. She added that they are helping to promote traditional Chinese culture.
Ms. Wang's attorney submitted a not-guilty plea. However, the judge interrupted the defense several times and decided to continue the hearing at a later date.
The second hearing, which lasted only a few minutes, was held on October 24. This time the judge asked Ms. Wang a few questions. He then adjourned the session without giving Ms. Wang or her attorney a chance to make a statement.
Ms. Wang and her husband Chen Guoliang (陈国良) were arrested on May 27. Mr. Chen fell sick the same day and was taken to the hospital. He was later released.
Though Ms. Wang exhibited symptoms of high blood pressure, the police director ordered the Binhai New District No. 1 Detention Center to detain Ms. Wang.
After hearing that Ms. Wang's systolic blood pressure rose to 200 mm Hg at the detention center, her family went to the authorities, seeking her release. At that point, they were assaulted by the police officer in charge of the arrest.