Dalun Falun Gong practitioner Mr. Zhao Hongli from Jianping County, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province has been sentenced to eight years in prison, and has been tortured to the point of dying in the Third Ward of Panjin Prison in Liaoning Province.

Mr. Zhao Hongli lived in Tienan Neighborhood, Yebaishou Town, Jianping County, Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province. On the morning of April 30, 2004, Mr. Zhao went to Mr. Qiao Zhongjin's home to do business, but was arrested by State Security agent Huang Danxiang (male, from Longcheng District, Chaoyang City) and others. The State Security agents had Mr. Zhao Hongli sentenced to eight years in prison by the Shuangta District Court.

Mr. Zhao Hongli went on a hunger strike to protest the illegal arrest, sentencing, and torture in the prison. He was brutally force-fed, causing his nose to be injured, and he vomited everything that he was force-fed, as well as blood. He cannot stand up, has no energy to talk, is as thin as a skeleton, and his life is in danger.

His family requested a few days ago to meet the prison's warden, but they were refused. The Third Ward head said that he would be responsible for Mr. Zhao Hongli's health many times. Fifth Ward doctor Gao said that Mr. Zhao Hongli is normal in every respect.

Mr. Zhao Hongli has been sent to Masanjia Hospital. His health is precarious, and his life is in danger. On April 28, 2006, the Hospital head notified Mr. Zhao's family that they should "be prepared because Mr. Zhao Hongli could die at any time."

Mr. Yang Guang, 56, is a Falun Gong practitioner from Changchun City, and was the former CEO of an international joint capital enterprise in Shandong Province. In November 2000, he was arrested in Baishan City and deported back to Changchun, where he suffered brutal torture at the hands of officials of Changchun City Police Department's First Division (abbreviated in this article as "First Division"). The First Division fabricated crimes to incriminate Mr. Yang, who was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment in the Jilin Second Prison (Jilin Prison). At Jilin Prison, Mr. Yang suffered several inhumane tortures and was sent to Jilin Police Hospital in late 2004 for further persecution. He is currently imprisoned in the Jilin City's Second Prison and has become emaciated and totally paralyzed. His muscles have atrophied, so he is unable to move. He is fully disabled.

When Mr. Yang Guang was deported back to Changchun, policemen at the First Division began torturing him without a single word being said. Thereafter, the police asked him what else had he had done besides hosting Experinece Sharing Conferences in Changchun and Baishan. He refused to answer, and a new round of brutal torture ensued. Mr. Yang answered, "Why do you still ask me if you already know everything?" The police replied, "Hosting a Experinece Sharing Conference is not a big deal. We want to hear about your relationship with the United States and Beijing." Mr. Yang said that there was nothing, but the policeman snarled at him, "You are a wanted criminal, high up on the wanted list. Is it possible for you to just be accused of hosting a Experience Sharing Conference? You better reveal your relationships with the States and Beijing!" Mr. Yang remained calm and said, "There is nothing. What do you want me to reveal?" The policemen retorted, "Then we shall wait and see." A series of endless brutal tortures followed. Mr. Yang suffered so tremendously that against his will and after he had been tortured until he was mentally traumatized, he fabricated so-called "relationships" with Beijing and overseas.

After the incident, in Mr. Yang's recounting of the experience, he said, "That series of brutal, inhumane tortures was beyond description. Whether it was during the day or night, they subjected me to all forms of torture, ceaselessly, until I began to lose consciousness and could not think clearly. In order to maintain a clear conscience, I withstood wave after wave of pain. I have never participated in any political schemes, I have not been instigated by the United States to do anything, nor was I instigated by Beijing to do anything. However, in the end, I ran out of endurance and perseverance and fabricated the so-called "truth" against my will. My conscience was severely invaded. My actions have become false evidence used by the Chinese Communist Party to cheat the Chinese people and all compassionate people from around the world. I am in deep pain, and hereby declare that everything I have done or said under the torture and pressure to be nullified. I wish to pay my apologies to Mr. Li Hongzhi, founder of Falun Gong, and to all Falun Gong practitioners all over the world. I also apologize to all compassionate people in the world. I hope everyone can understand the truth of the persecution of Falun Gong and awaken from the lies of the Chinese Communist Party."

When policemen from the First Division followed Mr. Yang's revealed "truths" to conduct their investigations, they realized that none of his claims could be verified. When they came back and interrogated him as to why they could not find evidence to back up his claims, Mr. Yang replied, "What can I say? You are asking me why what I said could not be proven?" In Yang's account, he was again brutally beaten up and then sentenced to prison.

Even though the authorities all knew that these "truths" were fabricated, having been "revealed" under intense torture and pressure, they nevertheless used them as reasons to travel abroad to "investigate." Moreover, they even made Mr. Yang's international joint capital enterprise in Shandong pay for all their travel expenses.

In the end, when the First Division tried to conclude Mr. Yang's case, they decided that the facts Mr. Yang had revealed were not enough to incriminate him. However, in order to receive awards and commendations for achieving results in the persecution of Falun Gong, they fabricated an entirely new, exaggerated story of how Mr. Yang was encouraged by the United States and Beijing, and submitted his case to the police department and Luo Gan as a top criminal case. The First Division then received a "Collective First Class Achievement" award from Luo Gan and the Public Security Ministry.

My name is Zhao Jinyu. I'm a 72-year-old man. I am retired from my position at the Yeboshou Rail Station in Jianping County, Caoyang City, Liaoning Province. My 33-year-old son, Zhao Hongli, used to live on Tenan Street in Yeboshou Township, Jianping County, Caoyang City, Liaoning Province.

At around 10:00 a.m. on April 3, 2004, while visiting Qiao Zhongjin, Huang Dianxiang of Longcheng District National Security Group in Caoyang City, Liaoning Province, illegally arrested Mr. Zhao Hongli (my son). The Shuangta District Court illegally sentenced him to eight years in prison for the crime of "gravely undermining the implementation of the law." This is yet another case where the court decision is obviously not based on the facts.

We ask that the Shuangta District Court rescind its groundless and illegal decision against Mr. Zhao Hongli, and set him free with a verdict of "not guilty." We also request that the responsible persons be investigated and punished under the law, since it's unlawful for law enforcement officials to falsely arrest people.

On April 3, 2004, Mr. Zhao Hongli went to Qiao Zhongjin's home to talk about the three-phase power system for his business. He did nothing illegal, but law enforcement officials unlawfully arrested him and took him to jail nonetheless. Afterwards, they failed to notify his family of the arrest within the legal time limit. When the arrest warrant was issued, they didn't serve the warrant to his family members. The court failed to notify Mr. Zhao's family of the time and place where the trial was to be held, and denied my son the right to be defended by an attorney, which represents serious violations of the law and a mishandling of his case according to established legal procedures. The responsible authorities and individuals are: Huang Dianxiang of Longcheng District National Security Group and the Shuangta District Court in Caoyang City, Liaoning Province.

What the criminal law is supposed to rectify (China usually uses it to "attack" instead of "rectify") is people's behavior, not their thoughts, nor should it be applied differently according to class. The legal judgment against Mr. Zhao is based on forged evidence, which is contrary to legal requirements. The court's decision states, "Mr. Zhao Hongli conspired with others to illegally spread propaganda materials." But, when, where, and to whom did he give propaganda materials? Legal decisions should be based on irrefutable evidence (witnesses, physical evidence and documented evidence). The court made a decision based solely on a couple's testimony, while failing to conduct a proper investigation. How was Mr. Zhao supplied with 40,000 flyers? What were the circumstances and methods used? How did Mr. Zhao distribute the flyers? No evidence to answer these questions was heard by the court, yet Mr. Zhao was sentenced to eight years in prison.

What the law is supposed to govern are people's actions, not their beliefs. Mr. Zhao broke no laws, but was still sentenced to eight years in prison. While in prison, he wrote a letter of appeal, but the guards of the Third Area at Panjin Prison in Liaoning Province deemed it an "unreasonable appeal." They confiscated the appeal document, which they eventually made "disappear."

Why did Mr. Zhao choose to go on a hunger strike? He's been on a hunger strike for six months, and the tube they use to force feed him has caused injuries to his nasal cavity. He was fed intravenously to keep him alive, but now his veins have become too difficult to penetrate. He is no longer able to walk or stand up. In fact he's too weak to speak. He is so emaciated that his life is hanging by a thread. Even so, the prison doctor, Gao, from the Fifth Area of Panjin Prison, told his family that his physical condition is "normal." The official responsible for the Third Area of Panjin Prison has said repeatedly that they are not responsible for Mr. Zhao's health.

It is impossible for him to eat normally - he vomits whenever he is force-fed, and intravenous injections are impossible. How long can he hold on like this? Who can take responsibility for his life?

Zhao Hongli was diagnosed with a congenital heart problem (mitral incompetence and ventricular septal defect) when he was a child. His family couldn't afford the recommended corrective surgery. His doctor said that if he didn't have the operation his life expectancy would only be thirty to forty years, but through practicing Falun Gong, he became stronger and his heart problem was cured. TV stations have broadcast much propaganda about how Falun Gong practitioners commit "murder, arson, suicide and self-immolation," but my son never did any of those things. What I've seen is how he follows the principles of "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance" to be a good person and has become a better person with noble thoughts and a healthy body through practice.

I've read many legal documents.

Article 35 of the Constitution of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) states that: "Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration."

Article 36 of the PRC Constitution states: "Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious belief."

Article 18 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion."

Article 33 of the PRC Constitution states: "All citizens of the People's Republic of China are equal before the law. Every citizen is entitled to rights, and, at the same time must perform the duties proscribed by the Constitution and the law."

Article 37 of the PRC Constitution states: "The freedom of citizens of the People's Republic of China is inviolable."

Article 38 of the PRC Constitution states: "The personal dignity of citizens of the People's Republic of China is inviolable. Insult, libel, false accusation or false incrimination directed against citizens via any means is prohibited."

While Zhao Hongli is on the brink of death, I've shared my opinion with you in the hope that justice might be restored. Facing Zhao Hongli's difficult situation, I hope all kind-hearted people will lend a hand to help him. His family and everyone else concerned are waiting for assistance.

Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Wang Xiuyun from Huadian City, Jilin Province was illegally arrested by police officers from Huadian City Police Department on June 3, 2002. The police officers intimidated, interrogated and tortured her severely. When she was dying, they sent her to the Changchun (Heizuizi) Women's Prison. Seven days later, Ms. Wang Xiuyun passed away.

Afterwards, Yu Jinji, the director of the Political Security Section in the Huadian City Police Department, claimed publicly, "We deal with Falun Gong too lightly. It was proper to persecute Ms. Wang Xiuyun to death. Her family members can not do anything."

In June, 2002, practitioners Ms. Wang Xiuyun, Ms. Xiao Ling, Mr. Xu Guijun, Mr. Wang Xiaohu, Ms. Yu Cuifan and Ms. Ban Huijuan were arrested. Director Yu Jinji used various methods to torture them, including beating them mercilessly, shocking them with electric batons, the "big hang-up" (1) and tiger bench tortures, hanging them while their hands are handcuffed behind their backs, tying them spread-eagle onto a bed, depriving them use of the restroom, covering their mouths and noses with wet table napkins, and gagging them with dirty cloths. Ms. Wang became very weak after such persecution.

In the Huadian City Detention Center, Ms. Wang Xiuyun went on a hunger strike to protest. Zhou Jian from the 610 Office and Yu Jinji ordered the deputy director of the detention center, Liu X Jun, (full given name is unknown) and the prison doctor Li Gui to force-feed Ms. Wang, and claimed, "If she dies from force-feeding, then it'll be called a suicide."

One day in June, Li Gui and Liu, together with several inmates and the nurses from the Gangtie Hospital of Huadian City, held Ms. Wang Xiuyun to the ground while more than ten people carried out a brutal force-feeding. Some held her neck, and others held her arms, her head, and her legs. Meanwhile, Ms. Wang could hardly breathe, but they continued to force-feed her. Several inmates at the scene were so frightened that they started to scream. Ms. Wang Xiuyun was choked in the process, and after a few minutes, she stopped struggling and moving.

Some people were so frightened that they cried. The police officers kept on shouting and cursing while taking Ms. Wang Xiuyun to hospital. From that day on, even though Ms. Wang was rescued, she became short of breath and could not lie down. She was sent to the town hospital several times.

Afterwards, she could not lie down and could only sit up. Five months later, her family members asked the police officers to release her, but the 610 Office refused their request and asked them to pay 30,000 yuan. Ms. Wang's brother said, "You have already fined us forty-five thousand yuan during the last several years. Where can we get more money now?" The police officer then laughed maliciously and replied, "Then, we cannot help you."

From then on, Ms. Wang Xiuyun's abdomen was distended so badly that she could not lie down for six months. When the Huadian Detention Center and the 610 Office found that Wang Xiuyun was in critical condition, they secretly gave her an injection and sent her to Changchun Women's Prison immediately.

After she arrived in the prison, the prison doctor said that she had pneumonia and could not be cured. Seven days later, Ms. Wang Xiuyun died. Both Changchun Women's Prison and the Huadian 610 Office tried to shirk the responsibility. Her family could do nothing but bear the grief.

Those responsible for Ms. Wang's death include Yu Jinji (director of the Political Protection Section in the Huadian City Police Department), Zhou Jian (from the 610 Office), Liu X Jun (deputy director of the detention center), prison doctor Li Gui and the nurse in the Gangtie Hospital.

Note:

1. "Big hang up": There are two forms in this torture: (1) With both hands cuffed behind the back and only the toes touching the ground, one is hung by a rope that is tied to the metal window frames. (2) One hand of a practitioner is cuffed to one bunk bed and the other hand to another bed, and the two beds are pulled in the opposite directions. One feels extreme pain as the body is pulled.

Mr. Meng Jie (Meng Fanhai), 69, from Xiao County, Anhui Province, is a retired employee of a machinery factory in Shanghai. In late November 2004 he was illegally arrested in Xiao County and sentenced to ten years in prison. Presently he is imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Anhui Province.

Mr. Meng Xiangmin, 60, is from Mengyao Village, Dulou Town, Xiao County, Anhui Province. Presently he is imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Anhui Province.

Mr. Meng Fanhui, in his 50s, is from Mengyao Village, Dulou Town, Xiao County, Anhui Province. Presently he is imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Anhui Province.

Mr. Meng Fanzhuo, in his 50s, is from Mengyao Village, Dulou Town, Xiao County, Anhui Province. Presently he is imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Anhui Province

Mr. Chen Xingling, in his 40s, is from Mengyao Village, Dulou Town, Xiao County, Anhui Province. Presently he is illegally imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Anhui Province.

Ms. Meng Fanrong, 60, from Xiao County, Anhui Province, is a family member accompanying an army member in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. Presently she is illegally imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Anhui Province.

Mr. Wang Qinli, 30, from Lizhuang Town, Dangshan County, Anhui Province, is a college graduate. In November 2004, he was illegally arrested by police in Taihe County, Anhui Province. He was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Dangshan County Court. Presently he is imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Annuli Province.

Mr. Wei Shezhang, 50, is an employee of a subordinate unit of the water bureau in Dangshan County, Anhui Province. He was illegally detained and sent to a forced labor camp and sentenced to prison several times. Presently he is imprisoned in the Third Prison of Suzhou City, Anhui Province. (It has been reported that he was seen in the Nanhu Forced Labor Camp in Xuancheng, Anhui Province.)

Mr. Meng Han, 30, from Chengou Village, Longcheng Town, Xiao County, Anhui Province, is an employee of the railroad bureau in Taihe County, Anhui Province. In the spring of 2003, he was illegally arrested by police in Yongcheng County, Henan Province and later sentenced to eight years in prison. Presently he is imprisoned in the Xinmi City Prison in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. (At least 100 Falun Gong practitioners were imprisoned in this prison in the fall of 2003.)

Ms. Zhang Yulian, 58, is a retired teacher from the Xiaocheng First Middle School in Xiao County, Anhui Province. Presently she is illegally imprisoned in a women's forced labor camp in Hefei City, Anhui Province.

Other practitioners from Xiao County, Anhui Province, who were also once illegally put into a forced labor camp: Li Xipai (a teacher from the Xiaocheng First Middle School), Xue Chaoyang (staff of Xiao County Animal-breeding Center), Zheng Yunfei (staff of Xiao County Civil Administration Bureau), Ms. Xu Xiaoxia (staff of Xiao County Brewery), Ms. Zhao Li (a teacher from the Xiaocheng First Middle School), and others.