Mr. Lin Zehua Paralyzed, His Family Sues Jiamusi Prison

Name: Lin Zehua
Gender: Male
Age: 51
Address: Fenggang Town, Youyi County, Heilongjiang Province
Occupation: Taxi driver
Date of Most Recent Arrest: September 12th, 2007
Most Recent Place of Detention: Jiamusi Prison
City: Shuangyashan
Province: Heilongjiang
Persecution Suffered: Forced labour, beatings, imprisonment, torture, interrogation, detention
Key Persecutors: Dong Daquan from prison 610 Office, guard Lai Baohua of No. 5 Prison District

The family of Falun Gong practitioner Mr. Lin Zehua filed a lawsuit against Jiamusi Prison on March 21st, 2013. They are suing the prison for physically abusing Mr. Lin, which eventually paralyzed him. Mr. Lin's attorney submitted the case to the Jiamusi Procuratorate and Hejiang Procuratorate. Mr. Lin was paralyzed four and half years ago and is still jailed at Jiamusi Prison.

Mr. Lin was sentenced to seven years in prison and sent to Jiamusi Prison on July 10th, 2008. Prison guard Lai Baohua of No. 5 Prison District often instigated criminal inmates to verbally and physically abuse Mr. Lin for not giving up his belief. Mr. Lin was forced into slave labour work and monitored by “personal monitors” around the clock.

Criminal inmate Li Yansong deliberately pushed Mr. Lin down some stairs on November 7th, 2008. Mr. Lin sustained injury to his back and head. He lost all sensation below his chest and became paralyzed.

The prison did not actively provide medical treatment to Mr. Lin and forbid others from helping him. Inmate Li Yansong told other inmates, “Leader Lai (Baohua) said that no one is allowed to help him. Just let him urinate and relieve himself in bed.” Mr. Lin's physical condition has been declining.

Mr. Lin's family inquired about his condition and the cause of the injury with prison leaders Wang Qingjun and Wang Lianyu. The family was told, “It might be caused by being inactive for a very long time and malnutrition. Yes, someone pushed him but only the medical tests will prove if he is really paralyzed. The prison can provide medical exams, but the family must pay the fee first.” Mr. Lin's family made numerous requests that Mr. Lin be examined so he can be released for medical treatment, but their requests were all denied.

Mr. Lin is unable to walk or take care of his basic needs. To minimize his dependence on others for help, he eats and drinks less so that he does not need to use the toilet often. He sits in his bed all day with his back leaning against the wall, and uses his arm for support.

After his family's persistent efforts on July 12th, 2012, the prison guards, accompanied by his brother, took Mr. Lin to the No. 1 Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi Medical School for a physical exam. The exam was rushed and the hospital did not give a definite diagnosis. Mr. Lin's family went to see Dong Daquan at the prison's 610 Office (an organisation of special agents just for persecuting Falun Gong). Dong Daquan accused Mr. Lin of pretending to be sick. Mr. Lin's family members were very upset.

Based on the abuse Mr. Lin had suffered in the prison, the attorney filed a lawsuit and asked the legal agencies to:

1. Inspect and investigate Jiamusi Prison.
2. Investigate the personnel at Jiamusi Prison responsible for dereliction of duty.
3. Investigate the fact that Jiamusi Prison did not actively provide medical attention to Mr. Lin Zehua.

In accordance with “Code of Criminal Procedure,” “Prison Law,” “State Compensation Law,” and “Code of Prison Inspection by Procuratorate,” we ask your agency to initiate an inspection of Jiamusi Prison, oversee an immediate end to the abusive treatment of Mr. Lin Zehua by the prison and release Mr. Lin without any conditions. The prison will be responsible for any compensation.

Related articles:

Recent Incidents of Persecution in Jiamusi Prison, Heilongjiang Province (http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2013/3/28/138653.html)
Over One Thousand Chinese Citizens Sign Petition Requesting Release of Falun Gong Practitioners from Jiamusi Prison (http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2013/4/9/138823.html