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46 Christians arrested in Kashi, Xinjiang; 2 detained for 15 days

Chinese Government officials have launched a strategic campaign against House Church Members in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, entitled "Anti-illegal Christian Activities Campaign," reports Michael Ireland, chief correspondent, ASSIST News Service.

China Aid Association says that in a specific incident, on Sunday April 13, 2008, 46 Christians were arrested in Shache County, Kashi City, Xinjiang.

46 House Church Christians were holding Bible class and worship in the home of Mr. Ding Zhichun, when Public Security Officials intruded into Ding's home and arrested all of them. 44 Christians were released after the trial day, following a 50 Yuan deposit to the PSB by family members.

The Christians were mandated to confess their illegal Sunday worship activities and study the Government's handbook on Religious Policy. They were also required to return and recite the policy to officials within one week. The other two were sentenced to detention. The two Christians sentenced to 15 days of administrative detention are: Mr. Ding Zhichun (40 years old) and Ms. Ma Wenxiu (42 years old). Both are being held in Shache County detention center, Kashi City.

CAA says the recent campaign in Xianjiang is similar to the ongoing campaign the Government has established in Tibet, where Buddhist Monks are being forced to swear their allegiance to the Government's established Religious Policy and denounce the Dalai Lama.

[04/20/2008]

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