(Minghui.org) Recently, Linfen City police in Shanxi Province raided several homes belonging to Falun Gong practitioners.

Grandfather Detained on His Grandson's First Birthday

Mr. Cao Yuejin, a practitioner in his 60s, lives in Xiangkouzi Village, Duandian Town, Yaodu District, Linfen City. On the morning of June 13, 2013, he was busy preparing for his grandson’s first birthday at home. Relatives, friends and neighbors came to congratulate him and the house was filled with a festive spirit.

Suddenly, police head Guo from the Duandian Town Police Station showed up, along with a dozen officers. Rushing into the courtyard, they proclaimed that a “Falun Gong Gathering” had been reported. Minutes later, officers from the Yaodu Police Department also arrived. Without a search warrant, they forced their way into Mr. Cao’s home and began their raid.

The police took Mr. Cao’s TV and several other appliances. They also pocketed several hundred yuan in cash, which was Mr. Cao’s gift for his grandson.

Upon collecting some plastic trash in the home, the police claimed that they found “evidence” of Mr. Cao clarifying the facts about Falun Gong to people. They then took him to the Yaodu District Detention Center.

Neighbors Step Up to Protect an Innocent Couple

During the afternoon of the same day, more than a dozen officers from the Linfen City Police Department, Yaodu District Domestic Security Division and Dongcheng Police Branch came to Linfen Steel LLC's No. 2 Residential Complex. Armed with metal detectors, handguns and handcuffs, they rushed into the home of Mr. Ma Danyang and his wife, Ms. Guo Sumei, both of whom practice Falun Gong.

The police claimed they were searching for a cell phone used to send text messages about Falun Gong. However, they failed to find anything.

As neighbors watched the police raid the couple's home, Mr. Ma and Ms. Guo took the opportunity to clarify the facts about the persecution to them.

The neighbors did not hesitate to voice their disapproval, addressing the officers: “Falun Gong practitioners are all good people. Why do you treat them this way? You let murderers be and focus on bullying good citizens!”

As the couple questioned the police about the legality of their search, one of the neighbors encouraged: “Don’t let them [police] get off so easily! Make them answer the questions!”

The police felt very awkward and left quietly.