Detained for Exposing Torture in Forced Labour Camps, Ms. Lu Xueqin Denied Medical Care

Ms. Lu Xueqin was arrested on May 2nd, 2013, for taking photographs that depicted various means of torture used on Falun Gong practitioners in Chinese prisons and forced labour camps. She has been detained ever since.

Ms. Lu's health has drastically deteriorated while in detention. Her lawyer submitted a request to get her released on medical parole, but the Qingdao City Police Department has turned it down.

Medical Care Withheld

Ms. Lu's lawyer went to the Qingdao No. 3 Detention Centre to visit Ms. Lu on December 11th, 2013, and found her in bad shape. She said she was often dizzy and couldn't take care of herself.

Just two days later, on December 13th, Ms. Lu had a heart attack and fainted. This was her fourth heart attack, rendering her bedridden for 15 days.

Ms. Lu still suffers from headaches, chest pains, and incontinence. However, the detention centre refuses to release her or let her see a doctor. They also don't let her write to her family.

Ms. Lu's family has filed complaints and appealed to various government agencies, but have yet to receive a reply.

Background of the Case

About 70 plainclothes officers from the Qingdao City Police Department surrounded a residential family unit on May 2nd, 2013. They arrested more than a dozen Falun Gong practitioners who were gathered there.

The practitioners were charged with “inciting rebellion and attempting to overthrow the government.”

Among the arrested, Ms. Lu exhibited severe symptoms of heart disease and other serious illnesses. Police not only did not release her to get medical treatment, but also denied her the right to meet with her lawyer.

Previously, Ms. Lu was in critical condition in 2008 and 2009 as a result of severe persecution. She suffered from heart disease, kidney infection, inflammation of the gallbladder, uterine fibroids and deep vein thrombosis.

Her family are extremely worried about her health and safety.