(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Chen Hongmin was tried on the morning of October 9, 2015 by the Beijing Fengtai District Third Court for practicing Falun Gong.
Her defense lawyer pleaded not guilty, stating that Ms. Chen's conduct does not constitute a crime and that the prosecutor lacks evidence of a crime.
“Falun Gong's books and audiovisual products are just thought-provoking materials. None of them harm society, or undermine law enforcement. I wonder whether you have read any of Falun Gong books,” he asked the prosecutor.
He continued, “Thoughts can not constitute a crime,” and argued that his client has the freedom of belief and the right to religious freedom as guaranteed by China's Constitution.
The judge adjourned the session without a verdict. He then approached the defense lawyer and asked, “How can you defend her like that?!”
Ms. Chen, in her 50s, retired from a Beifang automobile manufacturer. She was in poor health and suffered from skin problems and heart disease. After learning Falun Gong, not only was her health restored, but her husband also said that her bad temper had improved.
For practicing Falun Gong, she was sentenced to two years of forced labor in 2008.
Officers from the Fengtai Police Substation broke into her home on May 12, 2015 and seized her computers, cell phones, and other personal items. She was detained in the Fengtai Detention Center until her case was heard by the court.