Pastor Zhang Zhongxin Sentenced to Two Years Re-education Through Labor by Shandong Officials

Pastor Zhang Zhongxin Sentenced to Two Years Re-education Through Labor by Shandong Officials

SHANDONG, China, July 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- China Aid Association was informed that on July 4, 2008 in Jining City in Shandong reeducation-through-labor management committee issued a written decision sentencing Zhang Zhongxin to two years re-education through labour. Zhang will start the re-education through labor program July 4, 2008 and is scheduled to be released June 5, 2010. The statement also declared that Zhang may appeal within 60 days. Pastor Zhang has applied for legal aid, and is hoping to hire defense lawyers. Zhang's wife Wang Gui-Yun will coordinate the hiring of legal defense for her husband.

Pastor Zhang Zhongxin's home address is:

Qingkou Village, Jintun Town,
Jiaxiang County, Shandong Province.

Authorities accused him of cult participation in "the whole scope of the Church", organized "Sunday School" training courses, preaching the Gospel to the northwest, Tibet and other places for missionaries, and pioneers sermons. Since 2005, he established the "Rainbow Missions Fellowship in Jining of Shandong" and "Timothy Bible training school", training ministers and presented graduation certificates.

After Pastor Zhang received the written decision, he appealed the Court hearing the same day. He was notified by authorities at 11:00AM on August 14, 2008 that he will have an appeal hearing in Jiaxiang County Detention Center. The following officials will reappear in court during Pastor Zhang's hearing: Kong Liang, Jining City Public Security Bureau, the rule of law, civilian police; Li Zhijian, deputy director of Section officer. China Aid Association urges all brothers and sisters in the Lord, to pray for pastor Zhang.

Meanwhile we call on Chinese authorities to immediately stop the persecution of Christians.

To voice your concern over these issues please contact:

Chinese Embassy in Washington DC
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 338-6688, (202) 588-9760
Fax: (202) 588-9760

Issued by CAA July 9, 2008

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