(Minghui.org) Four Nanchong City, Sichuan Province residents were sentenced to prison on March 31, 2023 for their faith in Falun Gong, a mind-body discipline that has been targeted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.
Ms. Ling Junhui, in her 70s, was sentenced to 3.5 years and fined 20,000 yuan.Ms. Li Yuhua, also in her 70s, was sentenced to 3 years and fined 20,000 yuan.Ms. Hu Guoxiu, around 70, was given two years and fined 10,000 yuan.Ms. Cao Yunqing, 68, was handed down a 16-month probation term.
Arrests
Both Ms. Ling and Ms. Li were arrested at home on September 20, 2022 and taken to the Nanchong City Detention Center. Ms. Li’s husband was also arrested, but was released in the evening. The several tens of thousands of yuan they had at home were confiscated.
Ms. Cao was arrested the same day after she was followed by the police while distributing informational materials about Falun Gong. After a few days at the Nanchong City Detention Center, she was released on bail.
Ms. Hu was arrested on September 28, 2022 after being reported for spreading information about Falun Gong. Her home was also ransacked and her Falun Gong books seized. She was held at the Nanchong City Detention Center as well.
Between September and December, both Ms. Ling and Ms. Hu developed high blood pressure due to the conditions and abuse in custody. They were released on bail on December 13, 2022.
Prison Sentences
The Jialing District Court held a joint hearing of the cases against Ms. Ling, Ms. Li and Ms. Hu on March 15, 2023. All three practitioners’ lawyers entered not guilty pleas for them. Ms. Ling and Ms. Hu returned home after the hearing. Ms. Li was taken back to the detention center.
On the same day, Ms. Cao was tried separately in another courtroom. She also returned home after the hearing.
The court held another hearing of the cases against Ms. Ling, Ms. Li and Ms. Hu on the afternoon of March 31, 2023 and sentenced them. Ms. Ling indicated that she would appeal the verdict. All three practitioners were taken to the detention center afterwards.
Ms. Cao was also sentenced that same day and put on probation. She returned home after the trial.
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