(Pingyang, Wenzhou, China — July 11, 2025) Renowned attorney Yuan Mao, while handling a case in Pingyang, Wenzhou, was initially obstructed in his third attempt to meet detained Pastor Huang Yizi of Fengwo Church. After filing a formal complaint, lawyer Yuan was finally granted the meeting with pastor Huang, during which Pastor Huang firmly declares his innocence.
Background of Obstruction and Legal Complaint
On July 10, 2025, exactly two weeks after Pastor Huang Yizi’s arrest, defense attorney Yuan Mao visited the Pingyang County Detention Center for a third time, requesting a meeting with pastor Huang Yizi, who is being held on suspicion of “illegal business operations.” However, detention center personnel rejected the request, citing the reason that the case’s “special nature requires approval from the leader.”
Lawyer Yuan right away cited Article 39 of the Criminal Procedure Law, which stipulates that defense lawyers with valid documents have the right to meet detained suspects and that detention centers must arrange the meeting promptly. He questioned the obstruction, noting that other lawyers had successfully arranged meetings during the same period, while he alone was told to “wait 48 hours.” He was puzzled and suspected abuse of power or interference with legal representation.
That afternoon, Yuan filed a complaint with the Pingyang County Procuratorate regarding the detention center’s unlawful obstruction. At a 12309 Procuratorate Service Center, he learned the complaints department was located in the “Pingyang County Social Governance Center” (a building behind a Catholic church) and immediately went and submitted complaint materials, calling on the procuratorate to protect his legal rights as a lawyer.
Successful Meeting and the Pastor’s Stance
Following the complaint, on the morning of July 11, lawyer Yuan Mao was finally able to meet with Pastor Huang Yizi. According to lawyer Yuan, during their conversation, Pastor Huang Yizi prayed and affirmed Yuan’s Christian faith, calling him a “born-again believer.” Pastor Huang, in this and two previous attempted meetings, firmly maintained that everything he had done was for the gospel, and that he had committed no illegal business activity nor any crime. Lawyer Yuan speculated that Pastor Huang’s unwavering stance may have irritated the authorities, leading to deliberate obstruction.
Case Developments and the Legal Team’s Next Steps
After successfully meeting with Pastor Huang, on the same afternoon, Lawyer Yuan Mao rushed to the Pingyang County Public Security Bureau. Although he was unable to meet the case officer, he encountered Officer Fan from the Legal Affairs Division. Lawyer Yuan and several other attorneys relayed key concerns about the case to Officer Fan, requested to forward the legal opinion on behalf of the acquittal defense, and at the same time asked that the division strictly observe legal procedures, especially during significant steps such as arrest approval.
Background on Pastor Huang Yizi’s Case
In recent years, Zhejiang Province, especially the Wenzhou area, has seen a wave of cases involving church activities and Christian faith. Since 2014, numerous church crosses have been forcibly removed across the province, with some church buildings even demolished. These actions have been widely interpreted as part of the government’s intensified control over religious practice and have sparked strong concern and condemnation from both domestic and international Christian and human rights organizations.
Fengwo Church, located in Shuikou Town, Pingyang County, where Pastor Huang Yizi serves, was one of the targets of this “cross demolition” campaign. Pastor Huang had spoken out publicly against the government’s demolition efforts and was subsequently targeted. He had previously been sentenced on charges such as “gathering a crowd to disturb public order.” His recent arrest on suspicion of “illegal business operations” is viewed by many observers as part of the ongoing repression of religious leaders.
The case, especially the obstruction of legal visitation and Pastor Huang Yizi’s insistence on his innocence, is expected to continue drawing widespread attention. ChinaAid condemns the Wenzhou authorities’ actions for once again seeking excuses for their persecution of Pastor Huang, and strongly urges the immediate release of both him and other Christians involved in the case.
(Reported by Special Correspondent Ning Meng of ChinaAid)