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| Wen “Eden” Yidian
(Photo: China Aid)
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China Aid
Reported in Chinese by Qiao Nong. Translated by Carolyn Song. Written in English by Brynne Lawrence.
(Rui’an, Zhejiang—May 6, 2016) Following the apprehension of two Christians in China’s coastal Zhejiang province in late April, their youngest son spoke exclusively with China Aid about everything that occurred after officials arrived at the family’s home on the night of April 25.
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| Wen Xiaowu
(Photo: China Aid)
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On April 27, the Rui’an Municipal Public Security Bureau issued notices charging Wen Xiaowu and Xiang Lihua with “gathering a crowd to disturb public order” and Wen “Eden” Yidian with “obstructing public service” and sentencing all three to criminal detention.
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| Xiang Lihua
(Photo: China Aid)
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However, local Christians allege that police apprehended this couple for their meetings with U.S. Consulate officials in Shanghai to discuss an ongoing cross demolition campaign. Additionally, church members claim authorities had been trying to frame Wen Xiaowu and Xiang Lihua because they provided legal defense counsel to churches experiencing government-backed persecution.
In response to these events, China Aid contacted officials from the U.S. State Department and urged them to pressure the Chinese government for the immediate and unconditional release of Wen Xiaowu, his wife and their son.
“This matter is an example of the authorities violating Wen Xiaowu’s right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion,” China Aid president Bob Fu said. “We call on the American and Chinese authorities to take action immediately so that Wen Xiaowu, his wife, and their son can be released.”
China Aid exposes abuses, such as those experienced by Wen Xiaowu and his family, in order to promote religious freedom and rule of law in China.
China Aid Contacts
Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chinaaid.org