Police Refuse to Release Falun Gong Practitioner Blinded in Detention

(Minghui.org) Ms. Li Lifang suffered trauma-induced blindness and hearing loss while detained for her belief in Falun Gong. Experts have advised her lawyer that the damage could be permanent if not treated right away. However, the authorities at the detention center refuse to release her.

Ms. Li and her husband Mr. Zheng Changzhong were arrested on November 13, 2015, along with several other Falun Gong practitioners from Xiamen City, Fujian Province: Ms. Huang Yajie and her sister Ms. Huang Yaping, and Ms. Jiang Xuemei.

Mr. Zheng was released on bail. The other four practitioners are still detained in the Xiamen City No. 1 Detention Center.

Ms. Li was persecuted most severely after the arrests. She was tortured during interrogation on November 15, 2015, and after just three days in detention, she lost eyesight in both eyes. She also lost hearing in her right ear. Ms. Li can no longer take care of herself and lacks proper care in the prison. She is very weak and suffers from partial amnesia.

Ms. Li's attorney Mr. Zhang Zanning has 30 years experience dealing with clinical cases. He pointed out that bouts of blindness and hearing loss are not uncommon in traumatic situations like Ms. Li's. Mr. Zhang also consulted with other experts on the issue, and he was told her illnesses needs to be treated immediately. If not treated soon, Ms. Li could lose eyesight and hearing permanently.

The Domestic Security Division has refused to release Ms. Li on bail and claims Ms. Li is faking her symptoms.

Ms. Li and her husband have been jailed for many years for their belief in Falun Gong. The ongoing persecution has caused great harm to their family, especially their elderly parents.

Ms. Li's elderly parents, brother, and their employees at Qingyue Tea Oil Mill were arrested at 8:00 p.m. on November 13, 2015, just hours after Ms. Li's arrest. Police from the Xiamen City Police Department and Simingbishan Police Station confiscated many personal items. They were released the following day.

Relevant parties in persecuting Ms. Li:Qu Shaoxing (曲绍星), Head of Domestic Security Division, Xiamen City Police Department: [phone], [phone]Simingbishan Police Station:Address: 396 South Siming Road, XiamenPhone: [phone]Xiamen City No. 1 Detention Center:Address: Xianyue Road 468Phone: [phone]