(Minghui.org) Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a meditation based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Since the Chinese communist regime launched a campaign against the practice in July 1999, many Falun Gong practitioners have been arrested, detained, or even tortured for upholding their faith.

Below is an account from a friend of Mr. Shen Hongqi, a practitioner and business owner in Qishan County, Shaanxi Province. Arrested by 610 Office personnel and officers from Fengming and Maiheying Police Stations on July 22, 2019, Mr. Shen was first kept at Xiqiwu (Friday) Hotel, where he suffered four days and four nights of torture in an iron chair before being transferred to Qishan County Detention Center.

Torture demonstration: iron chair

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I am a friend of Mr. Shen Hongqi. Recently I noticed his repair shop was always closed and learned that he had been taken away by police on July 22, 2019 for practicing Falun Gong. Officials now keep him at a detention center.

Mr. Shen is an outstanding friend, and everyone who knows him would agree he is a good person. He helps repair appliances in our village and is very knowledgeable in many areas. Here I would like to to share his story and his great character, and I hope he will be released soon.

Mr. Shen told me he began practicing Falun Gong before the persecution started. He held the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance near and dear to his heart, since those are something hard to find in today's world. With the practice, his health greatly improved and he recovered from his stomach problem and nose bleeding.

A Selfless Man

I was deeply impressed by the story of Mr. Shen’s daughter. When she was in college, there was limited financial aid, though many students met the criteria. Her school had to issue the aid on a rotating basis each year. His daughter finally got her turn one year for 3,000 yuan but was sad that another girl, who had received the aid many times before, would have to drop out of school because she did not get it this time.

With no hesitation, Mr. Shen persuaded his daughter to give up her turn to help the girl who desperately needed the money for school. His daughter, having known from her father how Falun Gong teaches people to be considerate of others, concurred and managed to finish school and land a good job after graduation.

Here is another story that showed Mr. Shen's generosity. On his way home one day, he was hit by a minivan, and his motorcycle was knocked down. The handlebars and rear mirrors were smashed, and Mr. Shen fell as well. He got up and miraculously did not see any injuries, except his leather jacket was torn and his hand and knee were scraped.

The bystanders stopped the van and wanted to take Mr. Shen to the hospital. But he replied, “We both are lucky to be without major injuries. You may go and we each need to fix our vehicles. ” The driver wanted to give him money for the damage, but Mr. Shen refused. The driver was deeply moved, “I am so fortunate to have met someone like you; otherwise, I would have been in big trouble.”

A Kindhearted Member of the Community

Mr. Shen took good care of his elderly father until he passed away two years ago in his 90s. He was a devoted son and always put his father's needs first. Villagers praised him, saying few parents nowadays are as fortunate as his father.

In the past few years, Mr. Shen’s village has become a tourist attraction in Qishan County. In his spare time, he participated in the research of historic figures and sites in the village, along with the family trees of the villagers. His article was included in the 2018 Qishan Yearbook.

It is hard to believe such a kind, intelligent person is now detained for his belief. I cannot understand why. I sincerely hope to see him free at home soon.