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| Huang Yizi talks to his wife.
(Photo: China Aid)
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China Aid
By Brynne Lawrence
(Wenzhou, Zhejiang—Aug. 11, 2015) After one year in jail for leading a prayer vigil against cross demolitions in China’s coastal Zhejiang, authorities released Pastor Huang Yizi and allowed him to return to his home in Wenzhou in the early morning of Aug. 1.
On Aug. 3, 2014, Huang organized a group of Christians to pray in front of a church to protest forced cross removal. That same day, he was detained. Authorities formally arrested him on Aug. 28, 2014, and sentenced him to one year in prison for “gathering a crowd to disturb public order.”
In a letter written after his release, Huang stated that he was interrogated 100 times, with each session lasting between one to 6 1/2 hours. The letter also stated that Huang chose to view his time in prison as a Sabbatical in which he shared his faith and converted other prisoners to Christianity.
He was in good spirits following his release but looked physically weak, according to one of his church members.
Despite his recent imprisonment, China Aid’s reporter says that he faces an even greater battle now because his church’s cross is the government’s next target for demolition.
China Aid Contacts
Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chinaaid.org