Li Chunyuan, a Falun Gong practitioner in Tianjin, a northern city in China, was unlawfully arrested in April, according to her sister-in-law, Wang Huijuan, who spoke to NTD.
Police from the local district Binhai and subdistrict Tanggu broke into Ms. Li’s home on April 14. Since then, Ms. Li has been illegally detained in Binhai’s No. 1 Detention Center.
Currently residing in the United States, Ms. Wang believes she was targeted over her practice of Falun Gong and urges the regime to respect freedom of belief and calls for the release of all detained Falun Gong practitioners. She hopes for broader support to halt the ongoing persecution.
Unlawful Arrest
On April 14, at noon, eight individuals arrived at Ms. Li’s residence in Tianjin. Without presenting any proof of identification or warrant, they forcibly removed her from her home, conducted an illegal search of her property and vehicle, and seized her personal belongings and cash.
During the arrest, Ms. Li’s husband (Ms. Wang’s brother) was informed, “Li Chunyuan sang at home every day … and had been under surveillance for a considerable time.”
Expressing disbelief, Ms. Wang remarked, “In China today, one can be arrested for singing at home.”
Ms. Li, a music teacher at the 13th Middle School in Tanggu District, Tianjin, is described as “a very good person,” with singing being one of her hobbies, said Ms. Wang.
Apart from Ms. Li, three other Falun Gong practitioners were also arrested from her home, Ms. Wang disclosed.
“So far, communication with the local authorities has been very difficult,” said Ms. Wang. Ms. Li’s lawyer told NTD that Ms. Li is mentally fit, and she denied any criminal charges against her.
In an effort to confirm Ms. Li’s situation, the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times called the No. 1 Detention Center of Binhai, Tianjin. However, the staff who answered the call was unaware of this matter and advised contacting the police station. No one answered the call to Tanggu Police Station, while the phone line to Binhai Police Station was always busy.
A Practice of Mind And Body Cultivation
Ms. Wang mentioned that Ms. Li began practicing Falun Gong in 1998.
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a profound practice of mind and body based on the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, introduced by Mr. Li Hongzhi in May 1992.
Describing Ms. Li’s transformation, Ms. Wang explained, “She used to have many health issues, but after practicing Falun Gong, she regained her health.”
The practice motivated her to become a better person, which was reflected in her interactions with neighbors, colleagues, and family.
Witnessing Ms. Li’s changes firsthand, relatives acknowledged her newfound dedication, particularly towards her in-laws. “Since taking up the practice, she would drive to visit her in-laws every weekend, bring them food, and assist in caring for her bedridden mother-in-law,” Ms. Wang shared.
Ms. Wang emphasized the positive impact of Falun Gong on Ms. Li’s work ethic. She mentioned that Ms. Li’s colleagues praised her for her improved work ethic after she started the practice.
Reflecting on the Persecution
Ms. Wang lamented the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China, initiated in July 1999 by the late former communist leader Jiang Zemin. Tens of thousands of practitioners have been arrested, tortured, and killed for adhering to the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
Yue Huaijiang, another Falun Gong practitioner residing in the United States, criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for arbitrary arrests. “Those so-called reasons are not valid in law,” he asserted.
Recalling his own experience of detention and torture, Mr. Yue underscored the brutality faced by practitioners and their families.
Amid the persecution, Mr. Yue emphasized the importance of traditional beliefs, contrasting them with the CCP’s atheistic stance. He advocated for the virtues of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, emphasizing their potential to foster peace and harmony in society.
Beyond China’s borders, Falun Gong has gained traction in over 100 countries, receiving numerous accolades since 2000. Despite this, practitioners continue to face persecution in China.
Ms. Wang and Mr. Yue expressed concern about the future of China and its people amid the CCP’s oppressive policies. Ms. Wang implored the Chinese police to resist being pawns of the CCP and urged society to awaken to its evils.
In a plea, she called upon everyone, including the police, to quietly support Falun Gong practitioners, maintaining kindness for the betterment of society.
Cheng Jing and Chang Chun contributed to this report.
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