Christian Daily: Wife of Chinese Church leader buried alive during demolition of Church

■ Ding Cuimei, the wife of Chinese Church leader Li Jiangong, was buried alive during the demolition of Beitou Church in Zhumadian, Henan province.

The Church ownership was taken by a local developer and a government-backed, company-dispatched personnel bulldozed the Church including the couple. Jiangong and Cumei attempted to prevent the destruction, so they stood in front of the bulldozers.

The two government workers buried both of them underground, resulting to Cuimei’s suffocation to death. Li Jiangong dug his way up to the surface but unfortunately was unable to save her wife on time.

“Bury them alive, I will be responsible for their lives,” a member of the demolition team said according to the China Aid webiste. China Aid is a U.S.-based human rights group. The two responsible individuals were later on criminally detained by the local authorities because of pressure from the media.

A demolition site in China. (Reuters/Aly Song)

“This case is a serious violation of the rights to life, religious freedom and rule of law. The Chinese authorities should immediately hold those murderers accountable and take concrete measures to protect the religious freedom of this house Church’s members,” Bob Fu said in a press statement. Fu is the President of China Aid.

The government has been forcibly removing over 2,000 Church crosses across the country to reduce foreign influence upon Chinese people. The tragedy that happened in Zhumadian, Henan province exemplifies the Chinese government’s “Three rectifications, one demolition” campaign, which is done in an ongoing pattern.

“The events which transcribed in the heart of China have deeply saddened ICC and its NGO partners who continue to work tirelessly to promote religious freedom for all. The death of Ding Cuimei has added to the storyline of how the Chinese government does not hold life to be precious,” Jeff King said as quoted by the Charisma News. King is the president of the International Christian Concern (ICC).

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