(Minghui.org) A 28-year-old man was arrested and sentenced to seven years for answering “yes” to practicing Falun Gong, when he renewed his temporary residence permit at the police station.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual discipline persecuted by the communist regime since 1999. Many practitioners are targeted in many aspects of their daily lives because of their faith.

Mr. Zhang Shude, a native of Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, moved to Panjin City, Liaoning Province for a job assignment in 2017. He was arrested on June 26, 2017 for telling the police that he practices Falun Gong when asked whether he had a spiritual belief.

The Xinglongtai Court in Panjin City held a trial against him on January 16, 2018 and sentenced him to seven years in prison, with a 20,000 yuan fine, on February 8. His employer also terminated his contract one year ahead of the expiration date, because he failed to show up for work following his arrest.

Mr. Zhang appealed the sentence to Panjin Intermediate Court, but was rejected without a hearing on August 24, 2018. He filed another appeal to the Liaoning High People's Court and demanded a re-trial of his case on September 1.

While awaiting a response from the high court, Mr. Zhang was taken to Nanshan Prison in Jinzhou City to serve time on October 16, 2018. The prison has not allowed any family member to visit him.

Previous reports:Falun Gong Practitioner in Harbin Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison, 1,744 Supporters Petition for His Release

Practitioner Zhang Shude Arrested When Applying for an ID

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