(Zhenxiong, Yunnan, China – July 23, 2025) After being placed under administrative detention by local public security authorities on the grounds of “illegal religious activity” for organizing a church baptism in 2024, rural church preacher Chang Hao of Zhenxiong Village, Yunnan, filed an administrative lawsuit to contest the penalty. Following his loss in the first trial, Chang Hao filed an appeal in April 2025. On the morning of July 22, the case was heard behind closed doors in the second court of the Zhaotong Intermediate People’s Court of Yunnan Province.
Incident Background
The case can be traced back to October 14, 2024, when Pastor John Cao from Changsha, Hunan, visited Chang Hao in Zhenxiong, Yunnan. On October 15, pastor John Cao baptized 13 new Christians of the Peace Reformed Church. At the end of the baptism, more than 20 police officers stormed the venue where they were gathered, ordered attendees to surrender their phones, and searched them one by one. Over ten police vehicles then transported all participants to the Zhenxiong County Public Security Bureau. That evening, all individuals except pastor John Cao and Chang Hao were gradually released. John Cao was subsequently taken back by Changsha police officers, while Chang Hao was given 12 days of administrative detention.
Legal Challenge and Initial Ruling
In objection of the administrative penalty, Chang Hao applied for an administrative reconsideration with the Zhenxiong County People’s Government, but his request was rejected in early December 2024. He then filed an administrative lawsuit. The case was heard on February 25, 2025, with the first trial closed to the public on the grounds of “involving state secrets.” The court ultimately ruled against Chang Hao.
Second Trial on July 22
For the second trial on July 22, Chang and his representing lawyer, Yuan Mao, arrived at the courthouse at 8:45 a.m., where numerous police officers were stationed at the entrance. Inside the court grounds, Lawyer Yuan raised objections to the second round of security screening and the mandatory measure to store phones, arguing that such measures were excessive for an administrative appeal case. The court cited Article 6 of the Rules of Court, classifying the case as a “major sensitive case.” After a brief standoff, a judge personally demonstrated the phone storage procedure, and lawyer Yuan then entered the courtroom.
Proceedings and Final Statement
The hearing began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until noon. During the proceedings, the judge again declared that the trial would be closed to the public due to “classified content.” Chang Hao objected but still decided to proceed with the hearing. Though Chang Hao spoke little during the session, he delivered one impassioned statement in a preaching manner that captured the attention of everyone present.
Faith in the Face of Opposition
After the hearing, Chang Hao stated that although he believes there is a 90% chance he will lose, the lawsuit remains profoundly meaningful. He remarked: “The verdict itself does not matter. What matters is that during this process, we proclaimed the gospel and fulfilled our duties as citizens of earth and the kingdom of heaven. As Paul said: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ The outcome is in God’s hands.”
(Reported by Special Correspondent Ningmeng of ChinaAid)
