(Hubei — February 17, 2026) A case involving Christians in the Zengdu District of Suizhou, Hubei Province (commonly known as the “Suizhou church case”), has continued for more than two years since police carried out a coordinated operation in 2023 and arrested nearly 30 Christians. Among them, 72-year-old Christian Song Yude (宋玉德), a native of Nanyang, Henan, is currently detained at the Suizhou Detention Center. While in custody, his hernia condition has severely worsened, yet he has still not received any effective medical treatment, causing grave concern for his health.
According to the latest information from family members, Brother Song Yude now endures intense pain daily. His intestines repeatedly protrude and are pushed back, but the pain remains severe. If the condition continues to deteriorate, it could become life-threatening. Doctors at the detention center had earlier clearly stated that medication is ineffective and that surgery is required. However, since the condition became apparent in early 2024, more than two years have passed without any surgical arrangements being carried out. During a recent court hearing, Song Yude was unable to walk on his own; his intestines protruded, forming a large bulge in his abdomen, and he had to be carried into the courtroom by court police. Only temporary medical personnel were arranged on site, which failed to address the underlying problem.
Born in 1952, Song Yude was sentenced to eight years in prison in his youth for refusing to join the official “Three-Self” church and remaining faithful to his beliefs. His wife single-handedly endured great hardship to raise their three children, and the family went through years of suffering. In his later years, when he should have been enjoying family life, he was once again charged, this time with the crime of “organizing and using a cult organization to undermine the implementation of the law.” He was criminally detained between July and September 2023 and has since been held beyond the legal time limits at the Suizhou Detention Center. His case has been repeatedly split and retried, with procedures dragged out multiple times.
Family members and lawyers have repeatedly reported Song Yude’s critical medical condition to the court, the detention center, and relevant authorities, requesting immediate surgery or release on medical parole. To date, however, there has been no clear conclusion or positive response. Churches and concerned individuals are calling on all sectors of society to continue paying attention to this case. Urging authorities to acknowledge the basic human rights and health of this 72-year-old man, promptly provide necessary medical treatment, and prevent a tragedy from occurring.
