Once Imprisoned for Three Years for His Belief, Former Physics Teacher Tried Again on Same Charge

A former physics teacher from Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, was recently tried on a charge of "using a cult organization to undermine law enforcement," a standard pretext used by the Chinese Communist Party to frame Falun Gong practitioners.

During Mr. Wang Shixin's trial on January 26th, 2016, his defence attorney, Mr. Li Changming, pointed out that no law has ever been passed making the practice of Falun Gong a crime.

Mr. Li reiterated his client's constitutional right to practise and share information about Falun Gong. Since his client caused no harm to any individual, or society at large, the allegation against Mr. Wang was groundless. Mr. Li demanded an immediate acquittal of Mr. Wang, but presiding judge Lu Zhengsu adjourned the proceedings without issuing a verdict.

Mr. Wang remains detained following his arrest five months ago. Prior to his latest arrest, he once served three years in prison for refusing to renounce his faith. His school fired him right after he was released from prison.

His wife Ms. Zuo Xinwei, also a Falun Gong practitioner, was sentenced to prison for a second time in 2014. She is serving a three=year term, and her husband's freedom is at risk.

Local Attorneys Warned Against Defending Practitioners

Mr. Wang was arrested and had his rental place ransacked on August 20th, 2015. The authorities never informed his family of the development of his case. It wasn't until January 2016 that his family learned by chance that his case had been forwarded to the local court.

The family, however, wasn't able to find a local attorney to defend him, because the authorities had threatened to suspend the licenses of any attorneys who represented Falun Gong practitioners.

Luckily, Mr. Li Changming from Beijing agreed to be Mr. Wang's attorney, and traveled about 550 miles to attend the trial. As they await the verdict, Mr. Li has vowed to fight for his client's right to freedom of belief.