(Minghui.org) During a recent trial of three Falun Gong practitioners in Xiuyan County Court, the courtroom burst into applause after the defense lawyer finished his closing statement.

Mr. Zhang Chuanli, a lawyer from Beijing, defended three Falun Gong practitioners on July 6, 2015. The three men were arrested for passing out information about the persecution of Falun Gong in March, and charged with “undermining law enforcement.” The three were 71-year-old Jiang Hantong, 67-year-old Wang Shixian, and Wang Guoyan, who is also in his sixties.

Mr. Zhang argued during the trial that the police did not follow legal procedures when collecting evidence, and that the “evidence,” which included Falun Gong books, information booklets, and DVDs, does not contain any content that would cause harm to society or others. Therefore the charge of “undermining law enforcement” is not legitimate.

Moreover, the judge was given a copy of a criminal complaint filed against former Chinese president Jiang Zemin by one of the practitioners, Mr. Jiang Hantong.

When asked about its relevance to the case, Mr. Zhang pointed out, “Jiang Zemin is the culprit in the persecution of Falun Gong. The persecution is by his will, not the law of the state. Suing him is part of the process to show that Falun Gong practitioners are innocent.”

Mr. Zhang also told the court about how Falun Gong practitioners follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and try to be good people. At the end of his statement, the courtroom audience applauded warmly in support.

The practitioners asked for their immediate release.