(Zhejiang – September 10, 2025) Recently, Lin Aili, the wife of Pastor Huang Yizi of Fengwo Church in Pingyang County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, disclosed his current situation in the detention center after being detained for more than two months: he has been unable to communicate with his family, unable to read the Bible, and his application for a change of compulsory measures has been rejected. His family and defense lawyers are continuing to appeal the matter.
Right of Correspondence Obstructed
During a lawyer’s meeting with Pastor Huang, it was learned that he had not received postcards from his wife and children, and the letters he wrote to his family had likewise not been delivered. In response to this issue, his family has lodged reports through hotlines to relevant departments. At the same time, the lawyer has referred the matter to municipal and county-level procuratorates as well as the Wenzhou Public Security Bureau, but no response has yet been received.
The representing attorney, Yuan Mao, stated that, according to the Constitution, citizens enjoy freedom of correspondence, and non-case-related correspondence between detainees and their close relatives should not be obstructed. He believes that Pastor Huang’s letters to his family contained only expressions of care and longing, unrelated to the case, and that protecting the right of correspondence helps stabilize detainees’ emotions and also benefits the management of the detention center.
(Photo from Weibo)
On August 13, Attorney Yuan submitted a written legal opinion to the Pingyang County Public Security Bureau, requesting that Pastor Huang’s right of correspondence be protected, but received no reply. On August 26, he again reported the issue to the Pingyang County Procuratorate, Wenzhou Procuratorate, and Wenzhou Public Security Bureau, stressing that Pastor Huang’s right of correspondence should be ensured as long as case matters are not involved.
Right to Read the Bible Not Guaranteed
Pastor Huang has repeatedly expressed his wish to read the Bible. On August 26, his lawyer sent a copy of the Bible by post, and tracking records show that the detention center signed for it, yet Pastor Huang still has not received it. The lawyer brought the matter up with the superior of the detention center to guarantee Pastor Huang’s religious freedom and reading rights according to the law. The new detention center’s superior said the situation would be reviewed and handled according to the law. On September 1, Attorney Yuan received a postcard from Pastor Huang, sent from the detention center, filled with blessings. Yuan described it as a precious keepsake. On the morning of September 5, he again submitted a written legal opinion to the Pingyang County Public Security Bureau, reiterating demands to safeguard Pastor Huang’s religious freedom and reading rights.
Application for Change of Compulsory Measures Rejected
In mid-August, the lawyer filed an application with the Pingyang County Procuratorate for a review regarding the necessity of Pastor Huang’s detention. However, on September 4, the procuratorate issued a written notice stating that “this procuratorate deems continued detention necessary,” thus rejecting the application.
At the end of August and early September, staff from the Pingyang County Civil Affairs Bureau and the Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau delivered a notice of decision to ban the Shenzhou Preaching Team and a notice of decision to cease illegal activities to the detention center. The latter accused Pastor Huang of “illegal preaching” and “ordination activities.” Pastor Huang rejected these accusations and is considering pursuing legal action against the documents.
Pastor Huang’s wife, Lin Aili, expressed gratitude for public concern over the case, stating that although Pastor Huang is in hardship, his heart remains filled with joy and peace, thankful for everyone’s thoughts and intercessory prayers. She asked that everyone continue praying for Pastor Huang, that his legal rights may be safeguarded, that he may soon communicate with family and freely read the Bible, and that he may quickly regain his freedom. She also asked everyone to pray for the four detained Christians in the same case, including Elder Chen Fuxi and Brother Li Yongfeng, asking the Lord to protect them and bring them home soon.
Reported by Special Correspondent Ning Meng for ChinaAid