Updated: October 20, 2010 11:32 CDT
ChinaAid
October 20, 2010
BEIJING — On October 20, 2010 at about 7:40 a.m., a large group of police officers invaded the home of Dr. Fan Yafeng, a prominent Christian lawyer and leader of the Chinese Christian Legal Defense Association.
The officers were blocking him from exiting the front door, but Dr. Fan managed to struggle through the doorway. Police then assaulted him and forcibly pushed him around, causing a sprain in his ankle. Immediately, he was taken to Shuangyushu Police Station in Beijing. He is still detained as of now. No further information has been provided concerning him, and his wife, Ms. Wu, is very concerned and is struggling to negotiate with authorities.
In a follow-up report, Mr. Dai Jinbo, also a member of Chinese Christian Legal Defense Association, was forcibly kidnapped by four unidentified people and detained at an undisclosed location for about four hours. Dai Jinbo constantly protested and strongly demanded legal identification from the men who seized him. One of the men presented a police certificate. Dai Jinbo was released soon afterwards.
Pastor Bob Fu, president ChinaAid, strongly denounces the actions of the Chinese government and Shuangyushu Police Station for illegally trampling the rights of Chinese citizens. He also highly respects the persecuted Chinese delegates who were invited to the Lausanne Congress, and Dr. Fan Yafeng and Dai Jinbo — two Christian attorneys who are committed to safeguarding basic human rights. He would like to extend words of encouragement from Hebrews 10:35, which says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (NIV)
ChinaAid calls on people worldwide to show concern for the persecuted people, and to contact the director of Shuangyushu Police Station of Beijing to protest against their corrupt actions and urge them to release Dr. Fan Yafeng immediately.
Shuangyushu Police Station: +86 010 6256 1316
Update: Dr. Fan was released on October 20 around 5 p.m. after being accused of disturbing the peace and bothering his neighbors while leading a Christian meeting. Shuangyushu Police Station received many phone calls after ChinaAid posted the news release. Thank you for your prayers and phone calls made on behalf of Dr. Fan.
China Aid Contacts
Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chinaaid.org
