(Minghui.org) A recent police sweep in Yutian County, Hebei Province resulted in the arrest of 19 practitioners of Falun Gong – a self-cultivation belief system being persecuted by the Chinese Communist regime.
According to one involved policeman, Yutian County Police Department directed the coordinated attack on local Falun Gong practitioners.
A total of 22 residents from Yutian County got their homes ransacked and personal belongings confiscated between January 5 and 8 of this year. Three of them avoided arrest, fifteen were detained but released later, and four are still in detention.
January 5: One Arrested and Still Detained
Mr. Bian Changxue, 51, is from Shilituo Village. The police broke into his home on January 5 and confiscated his computer, printer, Falun Gong books and informational materials, and many other personal belongings. He is being held in Yutian County Detention Center.
January 6: Eight Practitioners' Homes Ransacked
Mr. Sun Yuguo, in his 50s, is from Shilituo Village. He was released late at night on January 6 after a medical examination indicated he had a heart problem.
Mr. Gu Lixin, in his 50s, is from Jiu Village. He was arrested on January 6 and later released after a medical examination indicated he had high blood pressure.
Mr. Li Chuntian, 61, and his wife Ms. Xu Qinglan, 57, are from Xiaonan Village. The police ransacked the couple's home and that of their daughter-in-law's. Both husband and wife were released later that day.
Mr. Dong Longshen, 64, Ms. Bao Yongyun, 63, Ms. Zhong Lirong, 70, and Ms. Feng Yurong, in her 70s, are all from Hexi Village. Mr. Dong and Ms. Bao were arrested on January 6 and released later that day. Ms. Zhong and Ms. Feng avoided arrest after they gave in under pressure and signed police-prepared statements to renounce Falun Gong.
January 7: Eight Practitioners Receive Police Visits, One Remains Detained
Mr. Han Guangshan, in his 50s, is from Dajiapu Village. He was arrested on January 7 and is being held at Yutian County Detention Center.
Mr. Chen Baixing, 53, is from Zhushuwu Village. He was not home when the police attempted to arrest him on the morning of January 7. The police returned in the afternoon and took him into custody. He was released a few hours later.
Ms. Wang Sujuan, in her 60s, is from Chaoluowo Village. She was arrested on January 7 and released five hours later.
Ms. Zhu Xiurong, in her 50s, and Ms. Li Xuehuan, in her 30s, are both from Guyihui Village. They were arrested on January 7 and released later that night.
Ms. Wang Xiuyan and Ms. Liang Xiumei, both in their 50s, are from Xiakan Village. They were arrested on January 7 and have now returned home.
Ms. Li Rongzhen, in her 60s, is from Yutian County. The police showed up at her door on January 7, but they failed to arrest her due to her strong resistance.
January 8: Five Arrested, Two Remain Detained
Ms. Ma Yinlian, 63, Ms. Cui Shaorong, in her 70s, Mr. Zhao Yucheng, 63, and his wife Ms. Hao, 65, are all from Chengguan Town.
All four were arrested on January 8. While Ms. Ma and Ms. Hao were later released, Ms. Cui and Mr. Zhao remain in Yutian County Detention Center.
Ms. Yu Haiping, in her 40s, is from Yutian County. She was arrested on January 8 and released in the wee hours the next morning.
