(Minghui.org) A Zhaodong City, Heilongjiang Province resident was tried by the Anda City Court on August 1, 2019 for practicing Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.

Mr. Sun Shutang was arrested on April 20, 2019. The police ransacked his home and confiscated his Falun Gong books, computer and many other personal belongings.

His two lawyers entered a not guilty plea for him. They argued that no law in China has ever criminalized Falun Gong and that their client didn't violate any law in possessing materials related to Falun Gong.

Many local Falun Gong practitioners showed up to show their support for Mr. Sun, but they were blocked outside the courthouse, which was heavily guarded by police.

Police officers were seen outside the courthouse taking pictures and videotaping the practitioners and passersby.

Mr. Sun is currently held at the Zhaodong Detention Center.