PSB Pay Pastor Bike Zhang Compensation

China Aid Association
Photo: Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan in Beijing

(BEIJING — January 13, 2009) ChinaAid learned that Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan received 17,000 yuan on January 5, 2009 from the Director of the Public Security Bureau branch office of Chaoyang district, Beijing.
In October 2008, Public Security Bureau officials attacked Pastor Bike’s family, beating his sons and forcing the family out of their apartment. The 17,000 yuan covers the cost of medical bills for Pastor Bike’s youngest son, Zhang Jian, who was badly beaten by PSB officers, as well as the cost of the fine incurred for the early termination of the family’s apartment rental agreement.
It is the opinion of those most closely involved in the case that this payment of 17,000 yuan is an indirect admission of guilt that the PSB directed the attack against Pastor Bike’s family in October 2008. When Pastor Bike was given the funds, PSB officers blamed Pastor Bike for causing “extremely bad publicity” for them. Because the PSB made this unprecedented gesture, taking some responsibility for their actions, Pastor Bike withdrew his lawsuit against them. However, authorities still refuse to allow Pastor Bike and his family members to return to Beijing.