US Department of State includes detained Henan pastor in press briefing

Zhang Shaojie

China Aid Association

(Washington—July 8, 2014) In its Daily Press Briefing yesterday, the U.S. Department of State spoke of their concern for Pastor Zhang Shaojie, who sentenced to 12 years in prison for gathering a crowd to disrupt public order and a fabricated fraud charge.

“…finally, I want to express deep concern by the United States by reports that Zhang Shaojie, pastor of the government-sanctioned Nanle County Christian Church, was convicted July 4th and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in retaliation for his peaceful advocacy on behalf of his church community,” spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

“We call on Chinese authorities to release Pastor Zhang and we urge China to cease harassment of his family members and congregants. We call on the Chinese authorities to allow citizens to worship freely in accordance with China’s own laws and its international human rights commitments. Freedom of religion is a critical – is critical to a peaceful, inclusive, stable, and thriving society.”

China Aid is pleased to see the U.S. Department of State bring attention to Zhang’s case in a timely manner.

The full briefing can be read at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2014/07/228782.htm.


China Aid Contacts

Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Website: www.chinaaid.org
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US Department of State includes detained Henan pastor in press briefing

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