A Chinese church leader imprisoned since last November has been charged with ‘fraud’ and ‘disturbing public order’. More than 20 other members of Pastor Zhang Shaojie’s church were detained around the same time '" while some have been released, others have gone missing or are still in detention. Only Pastor Zhang and two others of those still in prison have been allowed to see a lawyer.
Lawyers beaten and prevented from seeing their clients
It is unclear why Pastor Zhang was detained on 16 November 2013. Although he is a member of the Three Self Church, an organisation officially sanctioned by the Chinese government, it seems that his activities defending marginalised communities may have caused him to fall foul of the authorities. A land dispute between the church and local authorities has also been suggested as a possible reason for his arrest.
Lawyers for Pastor Zhang and his fellow detainees have been prevented from meeting with their clients; some have been harassed, beaten, robbed and intimidated by hired thugs. The NGO ChinaAid reported that Pastor Zhang’s family and the church itself have been under constant surveillance since the arrests, and government agencies have blocked church members and visiting Christians from entering the church building.
Fraud and public order charges
Pastor Zhang was finally allowed to see his lawyer on 15 January, almost two months after his arrest. It was then announced that he has been charged with ‘fraud’ and ‘disturbing the public order’, and his trial will take place on 12 February. There are unconfirmed reports that some of those detained will also be sentenced soon.
Pastor Zhang, 49, belongs to the Nanle County Christian Church under the state-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement '" which usually experiences fewer problems from the government than the unregistered house churches. However, in this case, on 15 November 2013 several church members were detained after petitioning a higher authority about a land dispute involving the church.
CSW working on Pastor Zhang’s behalf
CSW has been actively working on behalf of Pastor Zhang and the other members of his church. We’ve given regular briefings to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, British MPs, the British Embassy and the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief on his case and urging them to use their influence to call for his release.
CSW is also encouraging the Church to pray for Pastor Zhang, his family and the other targeted church members. Please pray:
• For comfort for the detainees, especially those who have suffered ill-treatment;
• For wisdom and protection for the lawyers representing the detainees;
• For courage and comfort for the detainees’ family and church members;
• That God would touch the hearts of officials involved, moving them to release Pastor Zhang and the other detainees.