(Guiyang, Guizhou Province – March 25, 2024) On March 11, 2024, Mrs. Yang Aiqing, wife of Elder Zhang Chunlei from Ren’ai Reformed Church in Guiyang, went to the Intermediate People’s Court of Guiyang City, hoping to meet or speak with Judge Song Qingsong, who handles Elder Zhang Chunlei’s case. Unable to meet with him as court was in session, Mrs. Yang had to leave. The next morning she called the judge and finally got through. She asked why the court had not reached a conclusion on Elder Zhang Chunlei’s case beyond the deadline. Judge Song explained that the case was still being processed and, due to the special nature of the case, further wait time was needed.
Yang said, “The court’s delay in judgment citing the special nature of the case is not a valid reason.” She angrily questioned, “Isn’t it just because of my husband’s Christian faith? An official arrogantly declared that because Zhang Chunlei did not cooperate with their proposal and acted stubbornly, they would ‘deal with’ him purposely. If the law becomes a tool for doing evil deeds, destruction is not far away. God is watching your act. God will punish those who pervert justice and do evil.”
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.” On November 29, 2022, Elder Zhang Chunlei’s trial was held secretly at the Intermediate People’s Court of Guiyang City, but no judgement has not pronounced yet. Mrs. Yang Aiqing stated that if there is a need for the extended detention beyond the deadline, then the court should provide a valid explanation.
In early January of this year, Elder Zhang Chunlei wrote a poem in prison to challenge the court’s delayed judgement titled 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.
Mr. Zhao Qingshan, Elder Zhang Chunlei’s defense lawyer, stated:
The trial was held on November 29, 2022, has yet to be adjudicated, and bail has not been granted. The members of the collegial panel never informed us of the postponement. Whenever we call the court, no one answers, or if they do, they claim it’s not their responsibility, or that the person handling the case is currently unavailable, or they say they can’t hear us clearly and ask to call back later… Is the Intermediate People’s Court of Guiyang City trying to abolish the Criminal Procedure Law?
