(Minghui.org) An 82-year-old man in Leqing City, Zhejiang Province, was sentenced to seven years for practicing Falun Gong, an ancient spiritual and meditation discipline that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999. 

The verdict was delivered to Mr. Huang Qingdeng by the Leqing City Court on March 12, 2020. More details about his case remain to be investigated. 

His wife, Ms. Chen Eying, who was arrested with him on April 17, 2019, was released a few days after his verdict was delivered.

The couple was detained in the Leqing City Detention Center after their arrests. Their Falun Gong books, cellphones, and computer were confiscated.

Mr. Huang took up Falun Gong in 1998. He credits the practice for improving his health and enabling him to become more positive about life. 

Because he has refused to renounce his faith, he has been arrested and harassed several times over the past 21 years. 

On January 12, 2006, police officers showed up at Mr. Huang's home. They ransacked his place and confiscated 8,000 yuan in cash along with other valuables. They dragged him downstairs and took him to the local police station, claiming he had been reported for practicing Falun Gong. He was interrogated for several hours and released later in the day.

Mr. Huang was arrested again on May 10, 2011. He was held in Leqing Detention Center and denied family visits. It’s not clear how long he was detained at that time.