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| The notice given to Zhang. (Photo: China Aid) |
The notice came from the Linxiang District Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau. It claimed Zhang had violated Article 41 of the Regulations on Religious Affairs. This article maintains that no non-religious group or venue can carry out religious activities.
Chinese law defines “non-religious” as any institution, clergy member, or building that is not registered with the government.
For the training, Zhang was given a 20,000 yuan fine ($2,892.00 USD).
Zhang Wenli,
Since you launched an online religious educational and training project without approval, you have violated Paragraph 2 of Article 41 of the Regulations on Religious Affairs. This article stipulates that religious educational and training projects should not be facilitated by non-religious groups, schools, or be held on non-religious sites. According to Paragraph 1 of Article 70 of the Regulations on Religious Affairs, we have determined to impose the following administrative penalties on you:
1. Immediately stop your project.
2. Pay a 20,000 yuan [$2,892.22 USD] fine.
According to Article 31 and 32 of the Administrative Penalty Law of the People’s Republic of China as well as Article 75 of the Regulations on Religious Affairs, you have the right to submit a statement or defense. If you have objections to our bureau’s ruling, basis of the penalties, or the penalties, you must submit this information to us within three working days upon receiving the notification. Failure to submit a statement or defense within the stated period shall be deemed as a waiver of your right of statement or defense.
Contact Organization: Linxiang District Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau
Contact Persons: Li Guangli, Ding Xiaoyan
Tel: 0883-2166262
Address: 2nd Floor, the Building of the District Government, No. 101, Baita Road, Linxiang District
ChinaAid Media Team
Cell: +1 (432) 553-1080 | Office: +1 (432) 689-6985 | Other: +1 (888) 889-7757
Email: [email protected]
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