(Minghui.org) A 78-year-old woman in Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, was released on bail on April 3, 2026, after 19 months of detention in a police hospital for her faith in Falun Gong. She is now awaiting verdict after three court hearings.
Ms. An Caifeng and another practitioner, Ms. Ma Lingling, 65, were arrested by Fengdong Boulevard Police Station officers on September 4, 2024, and their homes were ransacked. Ms. An developed high blood pressure and had a stroke while being held in the Sanyaocun Detention Center. She was transferred to the Ankang Hospital, a police-affiliated hospital, and was held there until her recent release.
The first hearing on April 8, 2025, was presided over by judges Zhang Yu and Liu Yan of the Weicheng District Court. Prosecutor Liu Hongwei of the Weicheng District Procuratorate recommended sentencing Ms. Ma to 15-18 months and Ms. An to 10-12 months, because Falun Gong materials were confiscated from both of their homes.
The practitioners’ lawyers entered not guilty pleas for them. One of the lawyers pointed out that the police failed to produce their IDs or search warrants during the home raids. They also didn’t provide any documentation after confiscating over 200,000 yuan in cash and bank deposit documents. The lawyers also noted that the prosecution evidence had not been independently validated as required by law. Instead of addressing the lawyers’ concerns, judge Liu adjourned the hearing.
At the second hearing on May 13, 2025, prosecutor Liu maintained his recommended prison sentences of both women. Ms. An’s lawyer noted that she was experiencing severe medical conditions in the hospital, including rapid heartbeat and trembling hands. She also had difficulty eating and was unable to shower independently. The doctor recommended taking her to an outside hospital for better treatment. The judge still denied Ms. An’s lawyer’s application to release her on bail.
Ms. An’s lawyer visited her at the Ankang Hospital on January 28, 2026, and noticed that one of her hands was shaking nonstop. She said that, due to her unstable condition, she had been taken to an outside hospital five times.
After the visit, Ms. An’s lawyer and family members went to the Weicheng District Procuratorate to file a complaint about her arbitrary detention. The receptionist refused to accept the complaint.
The court held the third hearing on March 5, 2026. Ms. An and Ms. Ma’s families attended the session.
Ms. An was released on April 3, 2026, and is now awaiting a verdict.
Ms. Ma’s current situation isn’t clear.
Two Shaanxi Women, 65 and 77, Detained for 17 Months and Counting for Practicing Falun Gong