FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2026
Midland, Texas
ChinaAid said on Monday that Chinese authorities are systematically undermining the right to legal defense in the ongoing “Zion Church Case” in Beihai, Guangxi, as the case enters a critical prosecutorial stage.
The U.S.-based human rights organization warned that at least 18 detained Christian leaders are now at risk of losing effective legal representation following what it described as a coordinated crackdown on defense lawyers.
“This is not simply a legal case; it is a test of whether the rule of law still exists in China,” said Bob Fu, founder and president of ChinaAid. “When lawyers are silenced, justice itself is put on trial.”
Interrogations Without Counsel Raise Due Process Concerns
ChinaAid cited reports that detainees at Beihai Detention Center were subjected to intensive “final interrogations” in late March, with limited or no access to legal counsel.
Such conditions raise serious concerns about coercion, procedural violations, and the integrity of evidence.
“Any confession obtained without full access to legal counsel must be treated with the utmost skepticism,” Fu said. “Due process cannot exist in darkness.”
ChinaAid also raised alarm over the deteriorating health of several detainees and called for immediate humanitarian release on bail pending trial.
Those in urgent need of medical care include:
• Wang Zhong (汪中) — severe arterial blockage after heart surgery
• An Mei (安梅) — post-thyroid tumor surgery recovery
• Jin Mingri (金明日) — unstable diabetes under detention conditions
• Yin Huibin (尹会彬) — serious spinal and joint conditions
• Zhan Ge (战歌) — cardiovascular and neurological symptoms
“Denying medical care to detainees is not only inhumane—it is a violation of the most basic standards of human dignity,” Fu said.
Lawyers Targeted in Apparent Coordinated Crackdown
ChinaAid reported that at least 17 defense attorneys connected to the case have faced administrative punishment, suspension, or disbarment, while others have been pressured to withdraw from representation.
Beijing Kaimen Law Firm, a key legal defense provider, has been threatened with closure, and several of its lawyers have lost their licenses or been suspended.
“This is a systematic dismantling of the legal defense system,” Fu said. “Without independent lawyers, there can be no justice—only predetermined outcomes.”
ChinaAid Calls for International Response
ChinaAid urged governments, lawmakers, and international human rights bodies to raise the case through diplomatic channels and press for accountability.
“The international community must recognize that economic engagement cannot come at the cost of human rights,” Fu said. “Silence in the face of injustice is complicity.”
complicity.”
About ChinaAid
ChinaAid is an international non-profit organization committed to advancing religious freedom, rule of law, and human rights in China.
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Below is the original statement released by Beijing Zion Church:
3/30/2026 ZCT Update
Defense Rights in Zion Church Case Face Severe Challenges; Judicial Independence Collapsing
【Date】 March 30, 2026
【Issued by】 Families of the Zion Church Case & Legal Rights Observation Group
【Keywords】 Right to Defense / Bail Pending Trial / Humanitarian Medical Care / Judicial Justice
Core Summary: Collapse of Procedural Justice and Unlawful Deprivation of Defense Rights
[Zion Church Case – Beihai, Guangxi]
After six months, the “Zion Church Case” has now entered a critical turning point in its legal process. As the investigation phase concludes and the case is about to be transferred to the procuratorate, we are deeply concerned that the defense legal team is facing unprecedented obstruction.
Administrative interference has prevented multiple lawyers from performing their duties, leaving 18 detained pastors nearly without professional legal defense in a complex legal process.
We hereby call for: a return to the rule of law, respect for lawyers’ right to practice, and, on humanitarian grounds, necessary adjustments to compulsory measures for detainees in poor health.
I. At the Conclusion of Investigation: Ensuring Fairness in Interrogations
It is reported that detainees held at Beihai Detention Center were subjected to intensive “final interrogations” at the end of March. Authorities indicated that the case will soon be transferred for prosecution.
Families and observers sincerely urge that, during this “gap period” without effective lawyer participation, authorities must strictly follow legal procedures, refrain from applying psychological pressure, and ensure that every statement is voluntary and lawful.
Legal proceedings conducted without the presence of counsel cannot withstand the test of justice or history.
II. Humanitarian Appeal: Bail Pending Trial for Medical Reasons
As the case approaches prosecution, families and the community are not only concerned about legal justice but also deeply worried about the physical and mental well-being of detainees.
The following individuals are in critical health condition and urgently require medical treatment outside detention. We call on authorities to grant bail pending trial in accordance with the law:
• Wang Zhong (汪中): Previously underwent major heart surgery; now suffering severe blockage in two major arteries, facing life-threatening risk and requiring continuous medical monitoring.
• An Mei (安梅): Post-thyroid tumor surgery; highly vulnerable to relapse under stress and unsuitable for prolonged detention.
• Jin Mingri (金明日): Long-term diabetes with severe blood sugar instability under detention conditions, requiring close medical supervision.
• Yin Huibin (尹会彬): Severe lumbar disc herniation; difficulty standing for extended periods; recent dental loosening and joint pain require examination and treatment.
• Zhan Ge (战歌): Family history of cardiovascular disease; impaired circulation; significant numbness and pain on one side of the body; urgent need for comprehensive medical evaluation.
III. Systematic Elimination of Legal Defense: The Hidden Hand Behind Mass Terminations
Lawyers are the cornerstone of the rule of law. However, the legal team in the Zion Church Case is currently facing systemic professional suppression:
- Collective Punishment Against Law Firms
Beijing Kaimen Law Firm, a key provider of legal aid, is facing administrative coercion to “voluntarily deregister,” with threats of consequences if it refuses.
Its director, lawyer Zhang Kai, after being subjected to exit restrictions last year, has now had his license revoked. Multiple lawyers have been suspended for six months, leaving all Zion Church cases handled by the firm without legal representation.
- List of Punished Lawyers
• First round: Zhang Kai (disbarred), Deng Qinggao (penalized), Yang Yaohua (suspended), Li Chunfu (suspended), Ge Xianyang (suspended), Liu Anqiang (suspended), Tang Xianlong (suspended)
• Second round: Zhao Qingshan (six-month suspension) - Coerced Termination of Representation
Judicial authorities have pressured lawyers through interviews and administrative measures to:
- Leave Kaimen Law Firm
- Terminate defense agreements in Zion cases
This directly violates the defendants’ lawful right to legal representation.
Affected defense lawyers and clients include:
Zeng Yue (Jin Mingri), Zhou Fangyu (Wu Qiuyu), Feng Xinyu (Zhan Ge), Zhang Yifan (Sun Cong), Ding Junjie (Liu Zhenbin), Zhang Yuefei (Lin Shucheng), Wei Jingmin (Wang Cong), Zhang Yuhan (Li Shengjuan)
Coercion is ongoing
IV. Formal Statement and Global Call to Action
In response to this judicial persecution—conducted, as described, “in a dark room with the lights turned off”—the families and concerned parties declare:
- Strong Condemnation of Administrative Interference
We demand an immediate end to pressure on defense lawyers, restoration of their licenses, and protection of the 18 pastors’ right to choose legal counsel.
- Accountability for Abuses of Power
Any officials who undermine judicial procedures or intimidate defense lawyers will be held accountable in history. We reserve the right to submit evidence to supervisory bodies and international human rights organizations.
- Global Emergency Attention
We urge governments, parliaments, and human rights institutions worldwide to raise this issue through diplomatic channels and challenge the systematic denial of defense rights in China.
- Protection of Life
We reaffirm the fundamental right to life of those in poor health and call for their immediate release for medical treatment.
- Documentation and Reporting
Families are lawfully collecting evidence of procedural violations.
Information may be submitted to: [email protected]
Closing Statement
“We firmly believe that the purpose of law is to uphold justice and compassion. In the light, all truth will ultimately be revealed.”
