(Minghui.org) Ms. Zhang Yanmei from Changchun in Jilin Province was sentenced to three years in prison. She was illegally arrested on January 27, 2014, and secretly tried at the Erdao District Court on May 22, 2014.
No defense attorney was allowed to participate in the trial and Ms. Zhang's family was not notified of the trial. The presiding judge was Zhao Junfeng and the prosecutor was Jiang Shuai.
Tried While Wearing a Hospital Gown
After learning of the trial, some of Ms. Zhang's family went to the courthouse and managed to get into the courtroom. They saw Ms. Zhang in a hospital gown. The courtroom was packed with agents from the courthouse, 610 Office and the Erdao Police Department.
Ms. Zhang's family pointed out that it is against existing Chinese law to try a person secretly and not allow an attorney and family to be present at the trial. The court police then took them to a meeting room. The trial proceeded hastily and ended within 30 minutes.
The judge ignored Ms. Zhang when she raised the issue that she was tortured during her interrogation. She was sentenced for possessing Falun Gong books, a computer and printer at her home.
Entire Family Suffered from the Persecution
Ms. Zhang is detained at Xinkang Prison. Her health deteriorated after the trial. She has spent almost 20,000 yuan on medical treatment.
Due to pressure from the persecution, Ms. Zhang's mother had a heart attack and was hospitalized on May 26. Her father, lacking care, had to be treated at the Chongzu Hospital for a recurrence of thrombosis on June 11.
Ms. Zhang's younger sister has to take care of her parents, and also earn money to pay for their medical expenses. She has endured tremendous physical and mental stress.
Zhao Junfeng and agents at the 610 Office were approached by Ms. Zhang's family to request that Ms. Zhang be released on medical bail, saying that she should not be in custody because she has tuberculosis and heart disease. But those responsible for the case refused to release her and avoided the family.
Appealing to a Higher Court
Officials from Erdao District Court did not notify Ms. Zhang's family of the verdict and sent it directly to Ms. Zhang Yanmei. Her family tried to call the judge to find out about the verdict, but he refused to answer the phone. They only learned about the sentence on June 20.
Both Ms. Zhang and her family have decided to appeal to a higher court.
Parties involved in the persecution:Zhao Junfeng (趙俊峰), presiding judge at Erdao District Court : +86-431-88559449 (Office), +86-13596088838 (Cell)Jiang Shuai (蔣帥), prosecutor at Erdao Court: +86-13904311665 (Cell)Changchun Police Department: +86-431-88926474 (Office)
