(Minghui.org) The trial of a woman in Qingdao City, meant to be heard by a collegial panel of judges, went ahead when only one judge was present.
Ms. Zhao Lina was arrested at home on November 16, 2016 while looking after her two children, ages 3 and 1. The young mother was targeted because she refused to renounce Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline being persecuted by the Chinese communist regime.
Her lawyer visited her at Qingdao City Second Detention Center on January 12, 2017 and learned that she was tortured during interrogation shortly after her arrest. She was restrained in a chair with her hands cuffed behind her back for extended periods of time. The lawyer saw marks on her wrists.
During the trial on July 19, 2017, Wang Decheng was the only judge present, and he asked if Ms. Zhao admitted to her “crime.” Ms. Zhao said that she broke no law by practicing Falun Gong.
Ms. Zhao also testified to how Falun Gong returned her to health, but Wang instructed his clerk to not record Ms. Zhao’s words in the court proceedings. Her lawyer protested and Wang relented.
The lawyer then asked, “Is this case supposed to be heard by a collegial panel of judges or a sole judge?”
Wang hesitated before rapping his gavel to adjourn the session. He said, “We’ll resume the hearing when all judges are available.”
Judge Wang: +86-532-86975202
Related Report:Ms. Zhao Lina from Shandong Tortured During Interrogation
