(Minghui.org) A police sweep in Tangshan City, Hebei Province targeted 23 locals for their faith in Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline being persecuted by the Chinese communist regime. At least 19 were arrested, and 14 of them remain in custody at the time of writing.
19 Confirmed Arrests
A total of 19 practitioners were arrested over the course of a six-day period from March 31 to April 5. More than ten policemen participated in each arrest.
The coordinated police action took place in five districts and several subordinate cities of Tangshan, with eight arrested on March 31, six on April 1, and three on April 5. Two other practitioners were also seized during this period, but the exact time remains to be investigated.
Most of the practitioners were at home when they received unexpected police visits. The police confiscated many personal belongings and valuables from the practitioners' homes. Ms. Yan Xiaozhuan's car was also impounded.
A few practitioners were followed and arrested while walking down the street.
Police arrested another three practitioners at a market in Luannan County in Tangshan on April 5 when they talked to people about Falun Gong and the Chinese Communist Party's persecution of it.
Ms. Zhang Guofen, Ms. Mu Shuqin, Ms. Yan Xiaozhuan's son, Mr. Zhao Fengcun, Ms. Zhang Hong have been released. The following 14 practitioners are still in custody:
Mr. Han Changgen, arrested in TangshanMr. Li Jianguo, arrested in TangshanMr. Liu Yang, arrested in TangshanMs. Han Aixia, arrested in TangshanMs. Han Aixia's elder sister, arrested in TangshanMs. Yan Xiaozhuan, arrested in Fengrun DistrictMr. Ma Qiang, arrested in Qian'an CityMs. Liu Xiaofeng, arrested in Qian'an CityMs. Sun Xiaoying, arrested in Guzhi DistrictMr. Li Xiaoxian, arrested in Guzhi DistrictMr. Wang Junfu, arrested in Fengnan DistrictMs. Liu Lirong, arrested in Luannan CountyMs. Zhao Shuhua, arrested in Luannan CountyMs. Zhang Yuping, arrested in Luannan County
3 Avoided Arrests
Mr. Liu Shaogeng managed to escape as the police ransacked his home.
Ms. Liu Lili saw her home turned upside, with the police confiscating 4,000 yuan in cash, two computers, several printers and other valuables. Her mother-in-law, who is in her 80s, tried her best to stop the police from taking away her daughter-in-law. Ms. Liu's husband, who was suffering from complications of a stroke, also fought to keep his wife home. The police eventually left without arresting Ms. Liu.
Ms. Wang Yumei was not home when the police descended upon her residence.
1 Targeted but Details Unclear
Ms. Bai Yumei was known to have been targeted, but it is no clear when the police went to her home and whether she was arrested.
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