Sources from inside China recently stated that the 18 pastors and co-workers, from Zion Church, are still being detained at the First and Second Detention Centers in Beihai City, Guangxi Province. They are being held on “suspicion of illegally using information networks.” As of today, it has been 192 days since the case began on October 9th 2025.
During the last six months, families of the detained have not been given transparent information regarding the case, nor has their right to be informed been guaranteed. Additionally, sources stated that some of the detainees have serious health conditions and have yet to receive effective medical treatment. Due to malnutrition, hot weather, and poor living conditions the concern for the detainees is increasing.
In a previous BTJ update, it was reported that the detained individuals were notified by case officers that the case had entered the “final interrogation” stage. However, the specific situation still remains unclear. According to sources, on April 16th legal counsel called the case management division of the Yinhai District Procuratorate to inquire on the status of the investigation. They were once again informed that the case had been extended. This time, for two months. According to certain legal provisions, major cases are allowed to apply for extensions for evidence collection and investigation.
The case has now entered its seventh month of extension and yet, no formal written notice has been provided to the detainees nor their families. The unlawful suppression of defense lawyers was also noted in a previous BTJ update. This suppression continues as every lawyer has, to varying degrees, faced annual inspections, investigations, summons, warnings, and even threats of suspension, revocation or cancellation of their licenses. As a result of the suppression of the detainee’s respective legal representatives, normal meetings have not been guaranteed and the families have not been able to obtain comprehensive and timely information.
The harassment of the family members of the detainees continues as well. Some spouses and young children have had their homes broken into by unidentified individuals. They have been threatened that they cannot go out freely and have been warned that they must report to the local police station before going out. Some elderly parents have also received threats and been harassed in their homes by significant authorities. This has caused shock and heightened concerns about both their mental and physical well-being. Additionally, many books and postcards sent to the detainees have been returned. This violates the detainees’ right to communicate.
In a joint statement, family members said: “We strongly condemn all actions that violate the Constitution and laws, and call for genuine respect for the rights granted to citizens by the Constitution and laws.” The family members continue to earnestly pray that the detainees will be acquitted and released. They also stated: “May justice roll like great waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream. May light and goodness be manifested in this land.”
As King David wrote in Psalm 23, may the Lord prepare a table for the detainees and their families in the presence of their enemies, while blessing them with His presence and helping them to not fear evil (Psalm 23:3, 4).
