(Minghui.org) The Gulin Court in Sichuan illegally sentenced three Falun Gong practitioners to prison on May 28, 2013. These practitioners were Mr. Shu Anqing, Mr. Luo Zhenggui, and Ms. Zhang Ziqin.
The court tried the three practitioners on October 22, 2012. Defense lawyers argued for their clients during the 5-hour hearing. The prosecutor and presiding judge remained largely silent throughout the proceedings.
In the end, the facts and evidence proved practitioners' innocence, and courtroom spectators commented that practitioners and their lawyers had defended the case well.
The defense lawyers demanded their clients' unconditional release. However, the judge didn't declare a verdict, saying it would be announced another day. Several days later, the court informed practitioners' families that the case was being transferred to “higher authorities.”
Half a year later, the Gulin Court finally announced the verdict: Mr. Shu was given a three and a half year sentence, while Mr. Luo and Ms. Zhang were given four-year sentences.
Mr. Luo, over 70 years old, is a retired town government official from Shibao District. He had been released on bail due to poor health. The Gulin Court ordered him to appear and receive his verdict on May 28, 2013. He was arrested upon arrival and taken to a detention center.
Mr. Shu's mother (from Luzhou, Longmatan District) went to the Gulin Court after learning of the sentence. She intended to speak to the presiding judge Yang Chunmei. However, a guard told her that Yang wasn't available and prevented her attempts to see the judge.
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