(Minghui.org) As 2016 drew to a close, many Pinggu District residents weren't able to usher in the new year peacefully. Some of them are serving time in prison, while others face continued harassment from police–all for their faith in Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline being persecuted by the Chinese communist regime.
8 Sentenced to Prison
The following eight practitioners were sentenced to prison in 2016 for spreading information about Falun Gong and the persecution. Except for 73-year-old Ms. Hua Wanlai, who was released on medical parole, the other practitioners filed appeals, which were later denied.
Ms. Zhang Lanzhi: sentenced to 3.5 years and fined 7,000 yuan
Ms. Liu Fenghua: sentenced to 3 years and fined 6,000 yuan
Ms. Yue Guixia, Ms. Liu Cuifeng, and Ms. Yang Xiaofeng: each sentenced to 2 years
Ms. Jia Fengzhi and Mr. Ma Zhanquan: each sentenced to 2 years
Ms. Hua Wanlai: sentenced to 1.5 years
Harassed for Suing Former Chinese Leader
At least six practitioners are confirmed to have been harassed by police after they filed criminal complaints against former Chinese dictator Jiang Zemin for ordering the persecution of Falun Gong.
Mr. Yang Changbao was harassed at home on September 28. The police threatened to cut off his utilities and tried to force him to affix his fingerprint to a statement prepared by the authorities.
Mr. Li Changfu was harassed at work on March 11.
Ms. Yue Guihua, Ms. Xing Yuqing, and Ms. Li Baihong also received police visits between late February and early March.
The police also called a practitioner working out of town and harassed his family.
One Still Detained
Ms. Li Xiaofeng was arrested on November 18, 2016. The police later searched her home and threatened to arrest her husband, who had protested the illegal detention of his wife.
