(Zhenxiong, Yunnan Province – May 17, 2024) On the morning of May 14, 2024, the case of preacher Chang Hao, who was accused of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” reached a verdict. The Zhenxiong Court sentenced Chang Hao to one year and one month in prison. Chang Hao was arrested on April 14, 2023, exactly one year and one month ago today. Therefore, after the verdict was announced, Chang Hao immediately walked out of the courtroom with his family and brothers and sisters in Christ, gaining his freedom. Chang Hao took a commemorative photo with everyone at the courthouse door.
At 4:30 p.m. Beijing time, Chang Hao’s wife Enlin said in her WeChat Moments: “Thank you everyone, we are already on our way home!” At 7:55 p.m., she posted again in Moments, saying, “Thank God! After a year and a month, Brother Chang Hao came out today. Thank you, brothers, sisters, and family for welcoming him home together at the courthouse door.”
Preacher Chang Hao, who suffers from a level-two disability and diabetes, has been summoned by the police many times due to his Christian faith and long-term attention to social justice issues. On the evening of April 14, 2023, Chang Hao was taken away by the Zhenxiong Public Security Bureau, and the Bibles, spiritual books, and gospel masks in his home were all searched and confiscated. On May 15, 2023, Chang Hao was approved for arrest on suspicion of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” On November 23, 2023, after two withdrawals for supplementary investigation, Chang Hao was prosecuted by the procuratorate to the Zhenxiong County People’s Court for the crime of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” The procuratorate accused him of “repeatedly publishing and reposting false information and inappropriate remarks on the Internet, causing serious disruption of public order and creating adverse social impact.” However, Chang Hao did not accept the accusations of the public security organs and the procuratorate, and he also insisted on not confessing to the crime or accepting punishment.
On the first anniversary of Chang Hao’s arrest on April 11, 2024, the Zhenxiong Court held a pre-trial meeting, and on April 12, it conducted a full-day trial. Chang Hao’s two lawyers appeared in court to defend his innocence. Chang Hao’s family stated in an open letter that they are “nobody” from the rural mountainous area, writing this letter to seek help and appeal to the judicial authorities to protect Chang Hao’s legal rights in accordance with the law and to fairly hear his case. As the trial on April 12 was nearing its end, the prosecutor proposed a sentencing recommendation in court: one year or less.
On April 29, 2024, defense lawyer Mr. Yuan met with Chang Hao, who said he was prepared to serve five years in prison. On April 30, the Zhenxiong Court held another hearing. Chang Hao’s wife, Enlin, revealed that after the trial, the judge told her that he would be sentenced to the lightest term. After the hearing, Enlin talked with Chang Hao. Compared with the first hearing, this time Chang Hao’s state was very good, with a glowing face and no worries.
Today, Chang Hao’s defense lawyer Mr. Yuan was unable to attend the court due to other matters. Upon learning of the verdict, he lamented that Chang Hao’s case should have been sentenced to one year, but as a defense lawyer, he would no longer dwell on the extra month. Just consider it as God’s further “tempering” of Chang Hao. Chang Hao had told Mr. Yuan that he was prepared even for five years. Mr. Yuan said he admired Chang Hao’s firm attitude and simple common sense, which truly surpassed many people. As a defense lawyer, he regretted not being able to go to the scene today to hear the verdict and welcome Chang Hao home.
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