Ms. Qing Shizhen (???)

[Refer to point K on China map]

Status: Prisoner of conscience, currently detained at brainwashing center

Gender: Female

Age: 67 years

City: Lanzhou City, Gansu Province

Former employer: Retired, formerly a researcher and associate professor of library sciences at Gansu Administration College (JunJiaTan 346#, ChengGuan District, Lanzhou, Gansu 86-931-8497481) 

Date of Most Recent Arrest: March 31, 2008

Current place detained: Gongjiawan brainwashing center, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province.

Other information: Current residence is in Beijing, but was visiting sister in Xinjiang province when arrested; hometown and former employer are in Lanzhou, so transferred there for detention.

Known Acquaintances Overseas: Ms. Annie Li, daughter, currently residing in Albany, New York

Details:

Ms. Qing was detained by Urumqi police in Xinjiang on March 31, 2008, during a visit to her sister’s home. The two women were followed by police while distributing information about Falun Gong late at night. The police detained Qing’s sister and forced her to unlock the door to her home, which they subsequently searched, confiscating computer equipment and Falun Gong-related materials. The two women were placed under house arrest until May 23. On that date, agents from the 610 Office of the Gansu Administration College (Qing’s former employer) and policemen from her home town of Lanzhou arrived in Xinjiang to collect her. They traveled by train for over 24 hours, arriving in Lanzhou on May 24, 2008, when Ms. Qing was immediately placed in Gongjiawan brainwashing center.

Ms. Qing’s family members have attempted to visit her twice. On the first occasion, they were refused, but on the second attempt, they succeeded in speaking with her, albeit under the tight surveillance of monitors. During the conversation, Qing indicated that her blood pressure was over 190, but was unable to relay information about any other forms of abuse she may have suffered in custody. The family members were informed that Ms. Qing would be held at the brainwashing center for six months. Following that period of time, should she not concede to renouncing Falun Gong, she is at serious risk of being sent to a “re-education through labor” camp or prison.