(Minghui.org) “The currency bills you used to pay for bicycle parts all had words written on them.” The presiding judge in the case of Mr. Wang Zhiwu stared accusingly at the defendant.
The defendant, a 60-year-old bicycle mechanic, met the judge's stare as he said, “Then read those words out loud.”
At such a seemingly simple request, the judge appeared to grasp the depth of his predicament and said nothing.
This scene played out at the illegal trial of Falun Gong practitioner Mr. Wang Zhiwu at the Congtai District Court in Handan City, Hebei Province on July 8, 2014. During the hearing, Mr. Wang testified that he had the constitutional right to practice Falun Gong. His lawyer also gave convincing arguments in defense of Mr. Wang's use of currency printed with messages exposing the persecution of Falun Gong.
Unable to refute Mr. Wang's and his lawyer's arguments, the judge adjourned the trial without issuing a verdict, and instead scheduled another trial for August 12.
Most People Denied Access to Practitioner's Trial—Security Tight
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) holds hearings in secret when it involves Falun Gong practitioners, yet claims that the trials are public. Only two people were permitted to attend in Mr. Wang's case. Some people believe that the CCP fears that it won't be able to sustain the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners if the lies and methods it uses are exposed.
There was tight security the morning of Mr. Wang's trial. His younger sister and one of his daughters weren't allowed to attend because they weren't carrying identification cards, yet others with identification cards were also denied access. Attendees were not permitted to bring in water bottles. Only Mr. Wang's wife and daughter were allowed entry into the courtroom. His daughter wasn't allowed to wear her eyeglasses.
Although this was called a public trial, what amounted to martial law was imposed in front of the courtroom; the building was cordoned off, and the entrance blocked.
Practitioner's Righteous Behavior Dominates Hearing
Two bailiffs escorted Mr. Wang into the court, one on each side. He was wearing simple clothes and was handcuffed. His wife gave out a cry when she saw how thin and weak he appeared. A bailiff who stood near his wife yelled, “Be quiet! You are not allowed to speak!”
Mr. Wang clasped his handcuffed hands together in front of his chest, in a gesture of respect, and nodded in the direction of his wife and daughter.
The courtroom became silent.
Defendant's Questions Render Judge Speechless
The judge announced that the hearing would begin. The prosecutor read the material evidence supporting the accusations lodged against Mr. Wang.
Then the judge gave Mr. Wang a photograph of the currency that had information related to Falun Gong written on it.
Mr. Wang asked, “Where was this photograph taken?”
“Where you live,” said the judge.
“You took this photo in my home? Why wasn't I present? I don't know anything about this,” said Mr. Wang.
The judge did not answer and changed the subject. “Who gave you material about Falun Gong? And what did you do with it?”
Mr. Wang said, “I tell people about Falun Gong and the persecution, that Falun Gong is practiced in over one hundred countries, and only in China are people denied the freedom of belief. Falun Gong is unjustly treated in China.”
The judge then asked, “Where do you buy your bicycle parts?”
Mr. Wang said, “I get them all over the city.”
“The bills you used to purchase bicycle parts at a certain place all had words printed on them.”
“You claim that I printed information on these bills. If that is so, then read those words out loud.”
Appearing shocked and dumbfounded, the judge made no response.
Mr. Wang Denied Right to Legal Counsel
When Mr. Wang was arrested on May 21, his family hired a lawyer. The lawyer went to the Handan No. 2 Detention Center three times attempting to meet with his client, but was refused entry by guards. His first meeting with Mr. Wang was at the court hearing.
In court the lawyer said to his client, “ I tried to see you three times. Why wouldn't you meet with me?”
Mr. Wang said, “I wasn't permitted to meet with you because I refused to wear the inmate uniform.”
The lawyer then turned toward the judge and said, “The words printed on the currency don't reduce its value. It can still be used. According to the law, writing words on currency doesn't constitute a crime.”
The lawyer then asserted that evidence brought by the Congtai District Domestic Security Division and the Procuratorate was null and void.
Nervous Judge Adjourns Hearing
Mr. Wang warned the judge not to prosecute innocent citizens for their belief in Falun Gong, or else he'd be brought to justice when the persecution of Falun Gong comes to an end.
The judge appeared discomfited. He seemed unable to proceed with the hearing and refused to hear anything further from Mr. Wang. He asked the defense attorney, “Do you have anything further to say?” He then adjourned the hearing.
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