Attorney Met for first time with Jailed Beijing Christian Businessman Shi Weihan; Serious Medical Condition Concerned Family Members

China Aid Association

Photo: Shi Weihan and Family

(Beijing- April 28, 2008) On Wednesday morning, the attorney of Mr. Shi Weihan, was finally able to meet his client after long negotiations. Mr. Shi, the leader of a Beijing house church who was released without a conviction on January 4 of this year, was again arrested and persecuted on March 19. Before this, the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau had refused to let Mr. Shi’s attorney become involved with the case. Security officials also denied telling family members where Mr. Shi was being held. Police officials have detained Mr. Shi under the charge of him being a “dangerous religious element.”
Mr. Shi Weihan has been detained for over a month at the Beijing Municipal Detention Center. Concern for Mr. Shi’s health has become a major fear due to his chronic diabetes. During the meeting with his attorney, Mr. Shi’s talk was interrupted by the guards on several occasions and he received a warning. Mr. Shi’s attorney reported that his health conditions were very poor and that there were allergic symptoms for which no explanation was given. Mr. Shi’s attorney reported that he is in dire need of medical attention. However, the detention center authorities refused to provide medications or even the most basic humanitarian treatment. According to the conversation with Mr. Shi, the police interrogation mainly focused on Mr. Shi’s relationship with the US. Officials are trying to avoid admitting that this is a typical case of religious persecution.
Bob Fu, head of China Aid Association, stated “This is another case of brazen trampling on religious freedom and basic human rights by the Chinese Government as the Olympic Games draws near. This incident shows that the government has no fears or unsettled conscience in the face of the international community and denunciation. We hope the relevant authorities of Beijing will not try to bring any fabricated charges related to state security on Shi Weihan, an influential house church leader.”
Issued by CAA April 28, 2008


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

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Attorney Met for first time with Jailed Beijing Christian Businessman Shi Weihan; Serious Medical Condition Concerned Family Members

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