(Minghui.org) A Daqing City resident was tried on November 18 on charges of using a cult to undermine law enforcement, a standard pretext used by the Chinese communist regime in its attempt to frame and imprison Falun Gong practitioners.
Ms. He Shufang’ family was saddened to see a once energetic 52-year-old woman turned into a gray-haired, emaciated old lady in less than six months of her arrest on July 3, 2016.
The prosecutor recommended 1-2 years of imprisonment, citing her “criminal history.” Ms. He had been repeatedly arrested and detained in the past for refusing to renounce Falun Gong.
Ms. He’s lawyer argued that no law in China criminalizes Falun Gong and she should never have been prosecuted for exercising her constitutional right to freedom of belief. He also pointed out that Ms. He’s past arrests were a result of the persecution, which has lacked legal basis from the onset.
Prosecutor Zhang Dajun failed to specify which law Ms. He allegedly broke. He kept interrupting Ms. He and her lawyer whenever they mentioned the term “Falun Gong.” He claimed that Falun Gong “had nothing to do with this case.”
The prosecution evidence included a witness surnamed Li who claimed to be given some Falun Gong materials by Ms. He. The lawyer argued that the indictment did not specify the witness’ full name nor include her ID as required by law. Moreover, the prosecutor failed to produce the said witness in court.
The indictment also stated that Ms. He distributed 15 copies of DVDs containing programs used to break the regime’s internet blockade. The lawyer argued that the DVDs contained no information about Falun Gong.
Ms. He also testified on her own behalf. She said that Falun Gong had cured her heart condition and gave her strength and energy. Her husband became diabetic and jobless at about the same time of her daughter’s death. Had it not for Falun Gong, she would have collapsed. Having had first-hand experience with Falun Gong, she never shied away from telling people that the persecution is wrong.
She concluded that Falun Gong only teaches people to be good, and that she broke no law by practicing her spiritual belief.
Her lawyer demanded her acquittal, but the judge adjourned the session without issuing a verdict.
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