(Minghui.org) The Meizhou City Intermediate Court in Guangdong Province ruled to uphold local resident Mr. Xie Hankui’s prison sentence shortly before the 2024 Chinese New Year (February 10). His employer, the Meizhou City Real Estate Management Bureau, fired him around the same time.
Mr. Xie was sentenced to 2.5 years with a 30,000-yuan fine in late 2023 for his faith in Falun Gong, a mind-body practice that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since July 1999. The exact time of his prison sentence and appeal rejection is unclear.
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. His appeal was rejected by the same Meizhou City Intermediate Court on March 20, 2023. Before his latest prison sentence, he was incarcerated for a total of 15 years for his faith.
Mr. Xie Hankui’s Arrest and Trial
Mr. Xie Hankui was arrested at home on February 24, 2023, weeks after the Internet police spotted the words “How Mankind Came To Be” in a message he posted in a chat room on social media. Falun Gong’s founder wrote an article titled “How Mankind Came To Be” 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.
Related Reports:
Guangdong Man Sentenced to 2.5 Years, Older Brother Serving 5 Years - for Their Faith in Falun Gong
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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