(Zhenxiong, Yunnan Province – January 17, 2024) On December 29, 2023, Christian Xuan Bin from Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church visited Zhenxiong County Detention Center to see Brother Chang Hao. Chang Hao’s wife Enlin and daughter Zhilin accompanied Xuan Bin to the detention center, but they were not allowed to meet Chang Hao in person. Only Xuan Bin met with Chang Hao. He mentioned that Chang Hao seemed to be in good spirits and health, but he complained of some knee pain, likely due to the mandatory weekly cold showers in the detention center, especially in the current cold weather. Chang Hao’s blood pressure is stable, and there are no major issues with diabetes at the moment, and he is not taking any medication. Recently, Chang Hao requested the authorities to take him for a blood test to check his diabetes, but due to the lack of cooperation from the officials, it was not possible.
Xuan Bin and Chang Hao were once part of the same prayer group, and for several years, they have been steadfast in praying daily for persecuted churches and Christians. Xuan Bin informed Chang Hao that the brothers and sisters in the prayer group are deeply concerned about him and have been continuously praying for him. Chang Hao is very grateful for everyone’s support. He mentioned that while in detention, he maintains a prayer routine every day at 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., and his cellmates are aware of his habits and do not disturb him. He also shares the Gospel with his cellmates, but their hearts are hardened, and none have accepted it so far. Chang Hao has had several batches of cellmates, including murderers, drug traffickers, and fraudsters extradited from Myanmar. Due to the changing cellmates, he can gather some information from the outside world, as the detention center only allows access to news broadcasts and the central television channel. There is no mandatory labor in the detention center, and the main daily activities include meals, exercises, political studies, and free time. The previous cell leader treated him well, but the new one is not as friendly towards him.
Chang Hao stated that he is imprisoned for Christ and his Christian faith, and he had prepared for this, so he feels peaceful and joyful. He encourages fellow brothers and sisters to stand firm in their faith and ministries. He hopes his wife Enlin takes good care of his elderly mother, providing timely medication for her psoriasis. He also reminds Enlin to be mindful of her lumbar disc herniation. Last year, when they went to Kunming for a medical check-up, the doctor noted that Enlin’s lumbar disc herniation was severe and recommended immediate surgery. However, due to the surgery cost of several tens of thousands of Chinese Yuan, they couldn’t afford the treatment.
After coming out of the detention center, Xuan Bin shared the visitation details with Enlin. Enlin mentioned that the lumbar disc herniation issue hasn’t been treated; they are only using medications to control it. Chang Hao’s mother’s psoriasis is also under control. Currently, all three daughters are at home.
Chang Hao pastor who preaches the gospel in rural areas. Due to his Christian belief and persistent advocacy for social justice issues, he has been summoned by the police multiple times. On the evening of April 14, 2023, Chang Hao was taken away by Zhenxiong Public Security Bureau under the charge of “Picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” The police confiscated and seized his home’s Bible, spiritual books, and gospel masks. For over four months, there was no information about Chang Hao. After numerous applications, it was only four months later that the lawyer successfully met with him. Chang Hao is a second-degree disabled person with severe myopia exceeding 300 degrees. However, eyeglasses are not allowed in the detention center, making his life inside very inconvenient and leading to high blood sugar and high blood pressure. In response, the lawyer has repeatedly reported Chang Hao’s situation to the prosecutor, hoping that the detention center would legally safeguard the legitimate rights of the suspect, including religious freedom. The lawyer also suggested that Chang Hao be released on bail pending trial, but the prosecution did not adopt this proposal.
On November 23, 2023, after two rounds of return for further investigation, pastor Chang Hao was officially prosecuted by the prosecutor’s office under the charge of ” Picking quarrels and provoking trouble ” and brought to trial at Zhenxiong County People’s Court. The prosecutor’s office accuses him of “repeatedly publishing and forwarding false information and inappropriate remarks on the Internet, causing serious disturbance in public order and having a detrimental social impact.” However, Chang Hao does not acknowledge the accusations made by the public security authorities and the prosecutor’s office and persists in not admitting guilt. When he was at home, he often emphasized the freedom of speech for citizens and the right to criticize and provide suggestions to any state agencies and personnel.
