(Minghui.org) Authorities arrested Ms. Zhang Linyue after she attempted to see a classical Chinese dance performance that is banned by the communist regime in China.
Ms. Zhang, a Falun Gong practitioner, was illegally tried on February 2, 2015, in the Shunqing District Court in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province. She is still waiting for the verdict two months after the trial.
Ms. Zhang was arrested in February 2011 for purchasing tickets to a Shen Yun performance in Hong Kong. She was held at the Huafeng Detention Center in Nanchong City until September 11, 2011, when she was released on bail.
Ms. Zhang received a letter from the Shunqing District Court three days later notifying her of her trial on October 11, 2011. She left home to escape arrest and further persecution, however, she was arrested again on September 28, 2014, while filing a grievance at the Sichuan Province Justice Bureau to protest the persecution.
Illegal Trial
At the trial, one of the two prosecutors, Zhang Lijun, charged Ms. Zhang with "organizing a tour to go watch Shen Yun," "spreading news of Falun Gong," and "meeting with other Falun Gong practitioners." She also threatened that Ms. Zhang's "uncooperative attitude" would lead to a heavier sentence.
Ms. Zhang's lawyers refuted the prosecutor's “evidence” and made it clear that there is no law against practicing Falun Gong. Also, since the Chinese constitution protects freedom of belief, believing in Falun Gong, telling others about it, and meeting with other practitioners is also legal. Furthermore, there is no law that makes watching a performing arts show illegal.
Two months have passed since the trial, but no verdict has been announced.
Shen Yun
Shen Yun Performing Arts is a renowned classical Chinese dance and music performing arts company based in New York whose mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture. It is a nonprofit organization independent of the Chinese Communist Party.
Since 2006, the company has performed in more than 100 cities around the world, showcasing new programs every year.
Parties Responsible for the Persecution of Ms. Zhang Linyue:
Shunqing District Procuratorate, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province:Zhu Ying (朱瑛), procurator-general: +86-13795996066Zhang Lijun (张利君), procurator (public prosecutor in Ms. Zhang's case): +86-13989190550
Shunqing District Court:Wang Ruijiang (王瑞江), chief judge in Ms. Zhang's caseXu Wenying (许文英), deputy judge-in-chief: +86+13700971629
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