(Taiyuan, Shanxi Province—July 29, 2021) On July 20, the Wenshui County procuratorate approved the arrest of Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church leader, Zhao Weikai. Later, after Wenshui County Public Security Bureau authorities carried out his arrest, the bureau issued an arrest notice to Li Xin, Brother Zhao’s wife. Authorities charged Brother Zhao, currently held in Fangshan County Detention Center, with “illegal holding of materials promoting terrorism and extremism.”
- Please pay attention to this case.
- Use your imagination to comprehend the charge.
- Pray for brother Zhao Weikai….
Brother Zhao, a 35-year-old co-worker, and Minister An Yankui, both of Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church, have remained close friends for many years. After studying theology together in Chengdu Huaxi Seminary (founded by Pastor Wang Yi), they served their church together.
Brother Zhao and Sister Li homeschool their children. Consequently, officials from the Religious Affairs Bureau, Education Commission, and National Security Agency repeatedly “invited” Brother Zhao to “talk” with them. Although these Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members threatened to arrest him, trying to force Brother Zhao to send his children to public school, he refused to compromise his belief and continued to provide a Christian education to his children in his home.
On May 17, 2021, police officers summoned Brother Zhao to their station in the name of “proselytism,” and raided his home. They summoned Sister Li that same day. Zhao’s charge basically means that he proselytized his children.
On May 20, Minister An Brother Zhao’s lawyer, and his family traveled to Lishi Detention Center, planning to visit Brother Zhao. Officials denied their request. The group repeatedly requested to see Brother Zhao, however, authorities cited “excuses,” including “the case involves classified information,” and “the case involves national security concern” to deny visitation with him.
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Whoever illegally holds any book, audio or video materials or any other article while obviously aware that it advocates terrorism or extremism shall, if the circumstances are serious, be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than three years criminal detention, or surveillance in addition to a fine, or be sentenced to a fine only.
After learning of Brother Zhao’s formal arrest, Minister An and Chengdu Early Rain Covenant Church members posted a prayer request letter, urging fellow Christians to pray for Brother Zhao and his family: We pray for God to reveal His will and protect Brother Zhao.
~ Yubing, ChinaAid Special Correspondent
ChinaAid Media Team
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