Ms. Zhang Xihong, 35, resident of No. 75-26, Xingye Alley, Jingye Street, Guta District, Jinzhou City in Liaoning Province

Ms. Zhang started practicing Falun Gong in April 1977. After practicing, her health and mind improved.

At the end of August 1999, Ms. Zhang went to Beijing to appeal to the central government to stop the persecution of Falun Gong. She was arrested and returned to JinZhou City where she was detained.

One day in the year 2000, because she continued practicing Falun Gong, local authorities and policemen tried to break into her home and arrest her. To prevent further persecution she tried to escape from her home. However she accidentally fell from the 5th floor.  An ambulance was called and she was taken to the hospital.  Authorities at the hospital had her monitored round the clock.

 Ms. Zhang suffered from severe paraplegia. Her injuries included two fractured left ribs, three fractured right ribs, two cracks to the left shoulder, a broken and fractured right collarbone, two fractures to the right pelvis, and a broken thoracic vertebra between section three and four with marrow flowing out. Damage to the nerves and internal organs caused the paraplegia. Her body is numb, and she has lost control of bowel movements and urination. She cannot walk or take care of her daily needs. She will remain bedridden for the rest of her life.

When the police broke into the apartment, they pushed her husband down on the bed and beat, and restrained him so he was unable to move.  He was taken to the police station and held for several hours until friends and relatives were able to obtain his release.  Her husband has also suffered great mental stress from the persecution and has become feeble.  Ms Zhang and her husband have agreed to a divorce.

Type = Case; Violence Against Women; Location = Liaoning, Jinzhou