28 House Church Christians Detained in Henan for Independent Religious Service; Prominent Rights Lawyers Intervene

China Aid Association
(Midland, Texas (CAA)-June 8, 2006) CAA learned that a Chinese House church in Henan was raided and 28 Christians were arrested. At 11 am, May 28, during a Christian worship service at a home at Xiguan Ma Jia Chang, Fugou County, the PSB raided the gathering and took 28 church members to the police station.
Twenty-three were released later that evening. One Christian lady, 59-year-old Ms. Liu Yuemei, was released June 1, after her family was forced to pay a fine of 1600 Yuan (US $200). Another lady, 35-year-old Ms.Lu Xinhong, was released June 8, after she promised to pay her fine in cash.
Three Christians still remain at Ba-Yi Prison, Fugou County, Henan Province. They are 58-year-old Ms. Chen Xuelan, who hosted the gathering, 55-year-old Ms. Cao Yan, and 52-year-old Pastor. Li Shunmin.
According to those familiar with this case, during the raid, the police produced no ID, summons, or detention papers. Bibles and notebooks belonging to the church members were confiscated by the police and no receipts were issued.
The Christians decided to make a legal appeal and Dr. Li Baiguang and Dr. Fan Yafeng, two members of Chinese Christian Legal Aid Association agreed to be their legal representatives.
CAA urges the Chinese government to release these Christians and to honor their international and Constitutional commitment for religious freedom.
Communicate your concern to the Chinese authority at the following address:
Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong,
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20008
http://www.china-embassy.org/
TEL: 202-7456743                 
Fax: 202- 588-0032 ; 202-7457473
Director of Religious Affairs: (202) 328-2512
Issued by CAA on June 8, 2006