Kunming Court: Lawyer Handling “Cult” Case Must Be Put on Record with Department of Justice

• Author: Li Jun

Old lady Yang Qiongxian of Kunming City was accused of the “crime of undermining law enforcement through cult activities” and was prosecuted to Kunming Intermediate People’s Court. Her family hired lawyer Li Zhiyong of Shenzhen to plead not guilty on Yang Qiongxian’s behalf.

On September 17, Li Zhiyong went to the court to submit his written authorization in representing Yang. The judge refused to accept the lawyer’s authorization, and requested him to file a record with the Yunnan Province Department of Justice. The judge told the lawyer that the court would only accept the lawyer’s authorization after the Department of Justice has given the lawyer written instructions...