(Minghui.org) Two women stood trial on December 16, 2020 after several arrests and harassment this year for their faith in Falun Gong, a spiritual and meditation discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese communist regime since 1999.
Ms. Zhao Junfeng and Ms. Yue Xiuhua, both residents of Pinggu District, Beijing, were first arrested on February 27, 2020. The police ransacked their homes and confiscated their computers, photos of Falun Gong’s founder and other materials. As both of them had a fever, they were rejected admission to the local detention center and released around midnight.
Three officers harassed Ms. Zhao on June 12 and ordered her to report to the local police station four days later. She didn’t comply.
The police went to both practitioners’ homes again on July 2 and demanded that they report to the police station. As they still refused to comply, the police arrested Ms. Yue and Ms. Zhao on July 6 and July 14, respectively. They were detained at the Pinggu District Detention Center.
The Pinggu District Procuratorate indicted them in early November and moved their case to the Pinggu District Court.
Their lawyers entered a not guilty plea for them during their court hearing on December 16. Both practitioners denied any wrongdoing in practicing Falun Gong and they also shared how the practice has improved their health and characters.
The prosecutor recommended 2-4.5 years for both practitioners.
The two women’s arrests dealt a heavy blow to their families. Ms. Yue’s elderly mother, who was living with her, passed away soon afterwards. Ms. Zhao’s family welcomed her new grandson during her detention, but she couldn’t be with her family at the special moment.
