Nine Arrested on Suspicion of Putting Up Posters Exposing the Persecution of Falun Gong

The police in Shenyang, Liaoning Province arrested nine local residents on April 13th, claiming they were caught on surveillance video putting up posters exposing the persecution of Falun Gong between late August and early September last year.

The nine Falun Gong practitioners never shied away from telling people about the Chinese Communist Party's attack on their spiritual belief, but they refused to acknowledge the unsubstantiated “evidence” against them.

They were beaten and force-fed hot chilli pepper water when they denied the police's allegation. Mr. Qi Xiangyang in particular was left with bruises all over his chest and back, and the swelling didn't subside even after ten days. He was further force-fed when he went on a hunger strike to protest the torture and detention.

Ms. Zhang Jing lost consciousness during the interrogation and was rushed to the hospital. She was diagnosed with high blood pressure and heart problems. Even so, the police refused to release her.

The two practitioners remain detained at Shenyang City First Detention Centre together with the other seven practitioners, including Ms. Sun Shujia and her father, Mr. Lu, Mr. Jia Qiang, Mr. Cong Liang, Xiaojuan, and Mr. Li.

Ms. Sun Shujia’s home was ransacked and many of her personal belongings were taken away on the day of her arrest.

Ms. Zhang’s lawyer visited her on May 4th and learned that her mobile phone and 300 yuan in cash that she carried with her were confiscated. She was still suffering from the diagnosed health problems, yet receiving no medical care in the detention centre.

Prior to the latest arrest, Mr. Cong was arrested one year ago along with over 30 practitioners, including his twin brother Mr. Cong Ming. The police beat Cong Liang so savagely that his ear drum ruptured. They also forced him to pay 10,000 yuan before releasing him 15 days later. Mr. Cong Ming remains detained and was tried just one month before his brother's latest arrest.

Shenhe Domestic Security Division, Shenhe Police Department, Huangcheng Police Station and Shandongmiao Police Station were responsible for the nine practitioners' arrest.