(Guangzhou, China—March 29, 2023) ChinaAid sources confirmed that Gao Heng of Guangzhou Bible Reformed Church was convicted in February. He was sentenced to one year and 10 months for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” Authorities will release him on April 4.
Background of his arrest
On June 4, 2021, the 32nd anniversary of the Tian’anmen Square Massacre, Gao Heng held up a sign reading “Pray for the Nation on June 4th” at a subway station on Line 2 of the Guangzhou Metro. Authorities detained him for 37 days on suspicion of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” They formally arrested him in mid-July 2021.
Secret trial
On February 11, 2022, Gao Heng’s case was heard secretly, and no verdict was announced at that time. Only officially recognized lawyers, national security personnel, and judges participated in the trial. His family, friends, and other Christians from the church were not allowed to attend.
Authorities intimidate Gao’s family
Since Gao Heng was arrested, Pastor Huang Xiaoning of the Guangzhou Bible Reformed Church and other church leaders have insisted on appealing Gao Heng’s case. They contacted Gao’s father and other family members and tried their best to assist. However, Gao’s father was threatened and pressured by the local state security, causing him to change lawyers. He also blocked the pastors and other members of the church on WeChat and refused to answer their calls. There is no report or testimony from the family on how national security threatened them.
Gao Heng’s activities
Gao Heng has a gentle and humble personality. He is also enthusiastic about preaching the gospel. On the night of Christmas, December 25, 2020, he went to the streets with Pastor Huang Xiaoning and other Christians to preach the gospel to pedestrians. At that time, the Chinese government demanded that all Christmas celebrations must be banned.
Targeted
For a long time, he has been watching attentively to all the social and public affairs, speaking out against injustice, and helping petitioners defend their rights. For this reason, he was summoned by the police. Gao did not miss that opportunity to preach the gospel to the national security officers and the police.
Pastor Huang’s response
Regarding the arrest, Pastor Huang Xiaoning once said, “It is not a sin for Christians to pray! Christians can pray any day! Christians can pray anywhere! Please pray for Brother Gao Heng! A man who calls out for prayers for the country is arrested by the country!”
~Yu Bing, Special Correspondent of ChinaAid