China Aid Association
(SHAANXI — August 7, 2009) On July 29, 2009, the Luonan People’s Court of Shaanxi publically tried the case for Liu Caili, Huang Shumin, and Xu Fenying, leaders of Taochuan Christian Church who were arrested and detained by the Luonan County Public Security Bureau (PSB) on June 14. They were shown handcuffed on the Luonan TV Station. Later in the afternoon, the court heard the case for Zhang Miaoli of Taochuan Christian Church, who was arrested on June 19, and illegally detained for five days. Pastor “Bike”, Zhang Mingxuan, President of the Chinese House Church Alliance, attended the trials as a visitor. Members of Taochuan Christian Church are praying for the lawful resolution in this case and for renewed freedom to worship together.
Between June 2 and June 14, Luonan County authorities formally abolished Taochuan Christian Church, illegally searched the property, imposed a fine, detained and interrogated members of the church and banned them from assembling to worship. After seizing Liu Caili, Huang Shumin and Xu Fenying on June 14, 2009, the Luonan County PSB officers televised them in handcuffs being escorted by police. (Watch video.) Xu Fenying was released on June 19 after five days of detention, and Liu Caili and Huang Shumin were released at at 8:30 a.m. on June 24 after serving 10 days of detention. Zhang Miaoli’s arrest and five-day detention followed on June 19th.
To address these violations, on June 22, 2009 the four persecuted Christians entrusted Attorney Wu Chenglian, to submit their administrative lawsuit to the Luonan People’s Court of Shaanxi. They sued for the following:
- The repeal of the administrative penalty enacted by the Luonan County Public Security Bureau
- The return of the seized books and fines
- Compensation for the lawsuit expenses accrued throughout the case and any losses due to the abolishment
- A public apology to the defendants issued by the Luonan County Public Security Bureau broadcast by the Luonan TV Station.
Pastor Bike was hopeful after witnessing these public trials. “I believe the Luonan Court will handle this case with fair judgment, and the government will change the erroneous views and mentality of the religious department of Luonan through the law.” He says hopes that all Christians in China will continue to follow the holy will of God, abide by the laws and the regulations of the state and protect their freedom of belief and human rights in accordance with law. Pastor Bike further encourages Chinese Christians to urge the public security departments and the departments in charge of religious affairs to correct their illegal conduct and bring God’s blessings to the nation.
ChinaAid resolutely supports the members of Taochuan Christian Church in their brave actions to protect their freedom of belief according to the law. ChinaAid urges the police officers who are persecuting the Christians to repent, and encourages supporters of religious freedom to speak out for justice and freedom on behalf of the persecuted Christians.
Contact the following government authorities in Shaanxi and urge they allow Taochuan Church to worship freely, and compensate and publically apologize to Huang Sumin, Liu Caili, Xu Fenying and Zhang Miaoli.
Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong
3505 International Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 495-2000
Fax: (202) 588-9760
Watch video of Huang Sumin, Liu Caili and Xu Fenying being escorted in handcuffs that was shown on the local TV station after the Christians were arrested at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzuoKENo6DQ
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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
