(Guiyang, Guizhou Province – July 26, 2024) It has been announced that the case against Elder Zhang Chunlei of Guiyang Ren’ai Reformed Church, charged with “inciting subversion of state power and fraud,” was scheduled for sentencing on July 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Guiyang Intermediate People’s Court. The trial against Elder Zhang Chunlei on suspicion of “incitement to subvert state power” and “fraud,” took place in closed session at the Guiyang Intermediate People’s Court on January 27, 2022, and November 29, 2022. After one year and eight months since the trial, a verdict is finally to be announced.
On Sunday, May 12, 2019, the Guiyang Ren’ai Reformed Church led by Elder Zhang Chunlei was banned by the local government. On March 16, 2021, Ren’ai Reformed Church was raided, with multiple Christians arrested and their homes searched. That evening, Elder Zhang Chunlei went to the police station to inquire about the situation and was immediately detained, followed by administrative detention and criminal detention. After his criminal detention period ended, he was formally arrested on suspicion of “fraud.” On January 27, 2022, Elder Zhang Chunlei was indicted on two charges: “suspected incitement to subvert state power” and “suspected fraud.” On November 29, 2022, the case was tried in a closed session at the Guiyang Intermediate People’s Court. It was reported that on the day of the trial, no “witnesses” or “victims” were given the opportunity to appear in court.
At the end of 2023, Elder Zhang Chunlei was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. At that time, he had been hospitalized for over a month due to cholecystitis and other illnesses, receiving intravenous treatment for more than 20 days. Liver cirrhosis was detected then, but neither his lawyer nor his family were informed. In early May of this year, the defense lawyer visited Elder Zhang Chunlei at the Guiyang Detention Center. At that time, Elder Zhang Chunlei appeared slightly thinner, with completely white hair. However, the lawyer was still unaware that Elder Zhang Chunlei had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis much earlier. It is known that liver cirrhosis is a disease that can easily lead to complications and even threaten life expectancy. Yang Aiqing, Elder Zhang Chunlei’s wife, stated that before his imprisonment, Elder Zhang had no history of liver diseases.
Recently, Elder Zhang Chunlei’s defense lawyer, at the request of his family, applied for his release on bail, which was rejected by the Guiyang Intermediate People’s Court. The detention center has also not arranged for a medical examination for Elder Zhang Chunlei recently. His family is extremely worried about this situation. Elder Zhang Chunlei has been detained for over three years and four months on charges of inciting subversion of state
In the detention center, Elder Zhang Chunlei often meditates on God’s words and has written numerous poems and pastoral letters expressing his firm faith. He stated that he has different opinions on some religious policies, especially regarding the banning of churches and arrests, but absolutely no intention of inciting subversion of state power. Regarding the fraud charge, none of the so-called “victims” in this case has filed a police report or appeared in court, nor has anyone approached the church or Elder Zhang to request a refund of donations, which sufficiently demonstrates that this charge is artificially imposed. Concerning the church, law enforcement officers publicly announced its ban to the congregation, and Elder Zhang has never thought of or could possibly conceal this. Some investigating police officers have also said that this should not constitute fraud.
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