(Guiyang, Guizhou Province –February 26, 2024) On the morning of February 1, 2024, lawyer met with Elder Zhang Chunlei of the Guiyang Ren’ai Reformed Church at Guiyang City Detention Center.
The lawyer revealed that Elder Zhang Chunlei has lost a lot of weight, but his mental state is very good. Despite being trapped in unjust imprisonment, he has peace and joy from God. So far, Elder Zhang Chunlei has been accused of “inciting subversion of state power” and “fraud.” He has been detained for nearly three years, and the trial has been over for more than a year and two months. Yet, his family still has not received a verdict.
Recently, Elder Zhang Chunlei wrote a poem in prison:
Reflection
Over a year has passed since the court convened, no verdict has yet been rendered,
Detained for so long, what purpose does it serve?
Imprisoned almost three years, fingers count the time,
Looking up, the sayings of Jesus on the cross brings peace.
Not expecting justice in this mortal realm,
Only knowing that the Heavenly Father will rectify wrongs.
May the earth be filled with the light of the lamp,
And freedom return amid songs of praise.
On May 12, 2019, Guiyang Ren’ai Reformed Church was banned by the local government. On March 16, 2021, the church suffered severe persecution once again, with several Christians arrested and their homes raided. That evening, Elder Zhang Chunlei went to the police station to inquire about the situation and was immediately detained. The next day, he was administratively detained for 11 days, and after the expiration of this period, he was criminally detained for 37 days. After the expiration of the criminal detention, on May 1, 2021, he was formally arrested on the charge of “fraud.” On January 27, 2022, he was indicted on the charge of “inciting subversion of state power” and “fraud.” After receiving the indictment, Elder Zhang Chunlei clearly stated that his faith is innocent, and these groundless charges are entirely persecution and suppression of religious freedom.
On November 29, 2022, Elder Zhang Chunlei’s trial was held secretly at the Intermediate People’s Court of Guiyang City. Although Elder Zhang Chunlei’s wife, Sister Yang Aiqing, applied in advance to attend the trial in accordance with the law, the court refused her request to attend the trial on the grounds of that the case is on suspicion of inciting subversion of state power. The entire trial lasted for more than 6 hours, from 9:30 in the morning until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The courthouse was heavily guarded, as if facing a major enemy. Even the court security personnel said they had never seen such a massive deployment. Some members of the Ren’ai Reformed Church were tracked and had their travel restricted, and some members who waited outside the courthouse were taken away by community workers. At the time of the trial, Elder Zhang Chunlei had been detained for 19 months. Although his hair and beard had turned white, he appeared to be in good spirits. The defense lawyer passionately argued for Elder Zhang Chunlei’s innocence, and Elder Zhang Chunlei himself made a statement in court. He recounted his life experience, from initially working in politics, then engaging in business, to finally being called to become a full-time preacher. He believed that everything he did was for the sake of the gospel, and he neither incited subversion of state power nor committed fraud. The prosecutor did not speak much after reading the indictment, and a judegment was not pronounced in court.
Elder Zhang Chunlei has maintained a strong spiritual state while in prison and has written many poems. He told his defense lawyer that he has never slept so much before. Previously, while serving in the church, he had no time to rest, but now in detention, he finds good rest. However, in early August 2023, Elder Zhang Chunlei suffered from Cholecystitis in prison and was transferred to Sanjiang Hospital, a hospital affiliated with the Guizhou City Detention Center, for treatment, which caused concern for his wife.
