(Minghui.org) A Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, resident was sentenced to two and a half years following a court hearing in July 2023 for his faith in Falun Gong, a mind-body practice that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since July 1999.
Mr. Xie Hankui was arrested at home on February 24, 2023, weeks after the Internet police spotted the words “Why There Is Mankind” in a message he posted in a chat room on social media. Falun Gong’s founder wrote an article titled “Why There Is Mankind” in January 2023 and the police thus accused Mr. Xie of promoting Falun Gong information online.
While Mr. Xie was released on the same day, he was arrested again two days later and given criminal detention. A formal arrest warrant against him was issued on March 13.
The Meixian District Court held a hearing of Mr. Xie’s case on July 13. His wife was barred from attending it. Their son was initially allowed to enter the courthouse but was soon escorted out. The court claimed that both the mother and son were listed as prosecution witnesses and thus not allowed to attend the hearing. They merely answered the questions when the police asked on the day of Mr. Xie’s initial arrest (February 24) and were shocked to learn that their words had been used against their loved one without their knowledge or consent.
Mr. Xie’s lawyer entered a not guilty plea for him and he also testified in his own defense. He was sentenced months later and is now appealing the wrongful conviction.
Mr. Xie’s older brother, Mr. Xie Hanzhu, is also serving time for practicing Falun Gong. The older Mr. Xie, a former energy department chief, was arrested on October 20, 2021 and sentenced to five years in late 2022. Prior to that, he was incarcerated a total of 15 years for his faith.
Related reports:
Former Government Official Loses Appeal Against Second Prison Term for His Faith in Falun Gong
Once Incarcerated 15 Years, Former Energy Department Chief Gets Another Five Years for His Faith
Mr. Xie Hanzhu Placed Under Strict Control Again in Meizhou Prison
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