(Zhenxiong, Yunnan Province – March 28, 2024) On March 20, 2024, the family of Chang Hao, a preacher from Zhenxiong Township, Yunnan Province, revealed that Chang Hao is accused of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” and will stand trial on March 25.
On March 18, Chang Hao’s defense lawyer Yuan Mao visited him in the detention center and communicated with the court about his case. On March 19th, his lawyer received a “court appearance notice” from the court, stating that the case would be heard at 9:00 a.m. on March 25 in the second courtroom of Zhenxiong County People’s Court. However, the court appearance notice was vague and confusing regarding the charges against Chang Hao, stating “the case of committing the crime of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” Mr. Yuan expressed that firstly, the case has not yet been tried, so how can Chang Hao be determined as a criminal by the court? According to Article 12 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the People’s Republic of China: “No person shall be found guilty without being judged so by a people’s court in accordance with the law.” Does this imply that the Zhenxiong County People’s Court is making a judgment before trial? Additionally, does China’s Criminal Procedure Law include the crime of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”? Is the court’s wording in the court appearance notice a typo or an “accident”?
Chang Hao’s family stated that Chang Hao was taken away by the public security bureau on April 14, 2023, and has been detained for nearly a year now. His family misses him dearly and is extremely worried about his health. They hope he can regain his freedom soon and return to a normal life.
When the police took Chang Hao away, they seized many books and the Bible from his home, all of which were legally published. These books, mostly related to his faith, represented many years of Chang Hao’s dedication. The lawyer also believes that these books and the Bible have no relevance to the charge of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. Moreover, the law enforcement officers did not provide an inventory of the confiscated items, raising suspicions of illegal confiscation. Since the confiscated items are all related to his faith, Chang Hao’s family wonders if the police’s action is targeting Chang Hao’s Christian belief. They also question whether this is because Chang Hao maintains a stance in support of Christian house church.
Moreover, the police also confiscated two iPhones and one iPad. However, according to the indictment paper, only one iPhone was transferred to the court along with the case. Therefore, Chang Hao’s family urges the prompt return of Chang Hao’s other phone and iPad.
Chang Hao’s family issued a prayer request letter, urging fellow Christians to pray that Chang Hao’s case will receive a fair trial. They also wish for the court to fully protect Chang Hao and his defense lawyer’s rights during the legal proceedings.
