It has been almost six months since the Chinese Government began its persecution of the Zion Church Network by arresting many of the church’s leaders. In the latest update, we recently learned from an inside source, who cited information from inside the Beihai Detention Center, that the case’s investigation phase could soon be concluded and the case is then likely to be transferred to the procuratorate. Now, the case against the 18 pastors and co-workers, from Zion Church, has reached a critical procedural turning point.
According to information relayed from the detention center, at the end of March the detained pastors and co-workers endured centralized interrogations. During these interrogations, the investigators reportedly warned the church pastors and co-workers that this would be the final interrogation and full cooperation was necessary.
Chinese Government officials have also been placing extreme external pressure on the pastors and co-worker’s legal team. For example, the Beijing Kaimen Law Firm has been heavily affected. In January, its director, lawyer Zhang Kai, had his license revoked. Additionally, three other lawyers from the firm were suspended for six months and the firm is now facing administrative pressure to deregister.
Each of the individual lawyers representing Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Yingjia, Pastor Wang Lin, Sister Li Shengjuan, Pastor Lin Shucheng, Preacher Wu Qiuyu, and Preacher Zhange have either been forced to withdraw, been penalized, or had their license suspended or revoked. Specifically, these lawyers are: Zhang Kai, Deng Qinggao, Yang Yaohua, Li Chunfu, Ge Xianyang, Liu Anqiang, Tang Xianlong, Zhou Fangyu, and Feng Xinyu. It is imperative that Christians everywhere unite in prayer on behalf of these pastors, preachers, co-workers, and lawyers.
Emphasizing the urgent need for attention and prayer, the families and members of the Zion Church faith community have issued the following joint statement:
1. Protect the Right to Legal Defense
Appeal to relevant authorities to respect and safeguard defendants’ legal rights and cease administrative pressure on defense lawyers.
2. Care for the Detained and Their Families
Urge continued attention to the physical and mental well-being of the 18 detained individuals and provide emotional support to their families.
3. Honor Courageous Legal Professionals
Express sincere respect and gratitude to lawyers who continue to uphold legal principles and offer assistance under pressure.
4. Resolve Conflict with Justice and Peace
Reaffirm a commitment to respond with peace and forgiveness, while calling on authorities to uphold justice impartially.
