In August 2004, Falun Gong associated media claimed that Liao Yuanhua, a Falun Gong follower in Hubei Province, suffered inhumane “persecution” at Fanjiatai Prison in Hubei. They displayed more than 30 photographs purportedly showing “torture.” Hubei public security authorities later verified that the alleged “torture” photos had been fabricated by Liao Yuanhua and others using technical means.

On May 2, 2013, Qingdao police in Shandong Province uncovered a professional gang of 16 Falun Gong members dedicated to producing so-called “torture” photos. They used real-person simulations to depict Falun Gong members in prison subjected to “torture,” claiming this was done at the request of Falun Gong’s overseas faction.

In recent years, Falun Gong members have frequently staged demonstrations or displayed “forged torture” photographs on streets and during festivals in several U.S. and Canadian cities. The performances were sensational and gruesome, drawing public hostility and complaints to local authorities.