(Minghui.org) Having been detained for nearly a year, eleven Beijing residents are facing trial for posting online pictures of empty streets in the city during the pandemic lockdown.
The eleven residents, all practitioners of Falun Gong, were arrested on July 19, 2020, after the police found out about the photos they took. After seeing how the Chinese Communist Party has been covering up the pandemic with similar tactics as used in the two-decade persecution of their faith, the practitioners decided to reveal the truth to the world. They were targeted by the authorities for their courageous actions.
The eleven practitioners were indicted on April 2, 2021, by the Dongcheng District Procuratorate and had their cases moved to the Dongcheng District Court. The judge assigned to the case ruled that only when all the lawyers representing the eleven practitioners came to the court at the same time, will he allow them to review their case documents. Additionally, the lawyers aren’t allowed to make copies or take photos of the documents, nor will the court provide any paper or electronic copies of the files.
Upright Young Man Targeted for His Faith
One of the eleven practitioners, Mr. Li Lixin, was arrested at home by officers from the Hepingli Police Station. The police confiscated his house key and refused to give it to his family when family members went to the police station to seek his release. Mr. Li’s lawyer said he hasn’t been allowed to review his case document yet.
Mr. Li Lixin grew up believing that being cunning and building good relationships with his supervisors would land him a good job and better opportunities. After learning Falun Gong, he understood that one shouldn’t get lost in material pursuit or do things against their conscience. He lives by Falun Gong’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance and works hard to improve his character. He became more open-minded and considerate. He often extends help to others and always has a smile on his face.
While he credits Falun Gong for turning him into an upright and bright person, Li Lixin is now facing prison time for speaking up about it.
The other ten practitioners facing trial are Mr. Li Zongze, Ms. Xu Na, Ms. Jiao Mengjiao, Mr. Liu Qiang, Ms. Meng Qingxia, Ms. Zheng Yanmei, Ms. Deng Jing, Ms. Zheng Yujie, Mr. Zhang Renfei, and Ms. Li Jiaxuan.
Related reports:
28-year-old Beijing Resident Faces Trial for Taking Photos of Beijing During the Pandemic
Incarcerated Artist: I Can’t Stay Silent to Protect My Own Interests
Eleven Beijing Residents’ Cases Returned to the Police for Insufficient Evidence
12 Beijing Residents Arrested Near Anniversary of Persecution of Falun Gong
Beijing Resident Still Detained Seven Weeks After Arrest for His Faith
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