(Minghui.org) The police in at least four provinces in China harassed Falun Gong practitioners on a large scale between March and April 2020. Most practitioners had their Falun Gong books confiscated, some were brought to local police stations and interrogated, and some were ordered to sign statements to renounce Falun Gong.

Some people who had given up the practice because of the persecution were also harassed this time.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is an ancient mind-body practice that has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999.

Anhui Province

Six practitioners in Hefei City, Anhui Province, including Ms. Xie Qingfen, Ms. Liu Tifei, Ms. Jiang Zhaoying, Ms. Yang Cuiping, Ms. Wang Yan and Mr. Zhu Qin, were arrested between March and April 2020. All of them were released on the day of their arrest.

Liaoning Province

In Yingkou City, Liaoning Province, nearly 30 practitioners were recently harassed by staff from the residential committees, with the oldest practitioner being 85.

The residential committee staff members often brought statements renouncing Falun Gong that they had prepared, and then attempted to force the practitioners to sign the paperwork. Some officers took pictures and videotaped the practitioners.

Most practitioners refused to comply. Some of their family members also stood up for them and refused to open the door for the officials.

Some people who had given up practicing Falun Gong years ago were also harassed.

Shanxi Province

The police in Jiaokou County, Shanxi Province searched most local practitioners’ homes on April 20, 2020. The police claimed that it was an order from above. Most practitioners’ Falun Gong books and cellphones were confiscated. Some were taken into custody for interrogation and asked to provide personal information.

Hubei Province

Five practitioners in Hanchuan City, Hubei Province, including Mr. Wang Qing, Ms. Xiao Yanfang, Ms. Shu Yunlan, Mr. Liu Yibo and Ms. Wang Yan, were arrested on April 26, 2020 for talking to people about Falun Gong. They remain detained at the time of writing.