(Minghui.org) A trial of Falun Gong practitioner Mr. Yang Dexin was held in Wanzai County Court in Jiangxi Province on June 15, 2016.
The prosecution charged Mr. Yang with Article 300 of the criminal law, “using a cult organization to sabotage law enforcement,” a charge routinely used to persecute Falun Gong practitioners.
Mr. Yang's attorney entered a not-guilty plea for him, arguing that Falun Gong is not illegal. The judge adjourned the trial around 5 p.m. without issuing a verdict.
Falun Gong practitioner Mr. Yang Dexin
Mr. Yang, 48, was illegally arrested on February 26, 2016, when he distributed Falun Gong informational flyers in front of Yangle Middle School in Wanzai County.
Mr. Yang told the court that several special police officers beat him during the arrest. He was badly injured and bleeding and was sent to the hospital for treatment, which included stitches. He was also beaten by the inmates and denied family visitation when he was held at the detention center.
He said that he only wanted to follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and be a good person and should not have been arrested or placed on trial.
Mr. Yang's attorney pointed out that the persecution of Falun Gong has no legal basis, and that it's his client's constitutional right to have a spiritual belief.
Mr. Yang's attorney requested that the judge show the Falun Gong informational materials and DVDs that Mr. Yang handed out to the court. He questioned how they could harm anybody or sabotage law enforcement?
He then asked that Mr. Yang be acquitted.
Mr. Yang began practicing Falun Gong in August 1996 and was repeatedly persecuted, imprisoned, and subjected to torture for over 10 years for simply not renouncing his belief.
Related report:Mr. Yang Dexin Imprisoned for Over Ten Years, Arrested Again
