Photo via china-sd.com

Chinese pastor sentenced to two years re-education through labor

The Shandong reeducation-through-labor management committee in Jining City issued a written decision sentencing Zhang Zhongxin to two years re-education through labor on July 4, 2008, reports Michael Ireland, chief correspondent, ASSIST News Service.

According to China Aid Association (CAA), Zhang started the re-education through labor program July 4, 2008 and is scheduled to be released June 5, 2010.

CAA also says the committee statement declared that Zhang may appeal within 60 days. Pastor Zhang has applied for legal aid, and is hoping to hire defense lawyers. Zhang's wife Wang Gui-Yun will coordinate the hiring of legal defense for her husband.

CAA said: "Authorities accused him of cult participation in 'the whole scope of the Church,' organized 'Sunday School' training courses, preaching the Gospel to the northwest, Tibet and other places for missionaries, and pioneers sermons."

The authorities also say: "Since 2005, he established the 'Rainbow Missions Fellowship in Jining of Shandong' and 'Timothy Bible training school,' training ministers and presented graduation certificates."

After Pastor Zhang received the written decision, he appealed the Court hearing the same day. He was notified by authorities at 11:00AM on August 14, 2008 that he will have an appeal hearing in Jiaxiang County Detention Center, CAA stated.

CAA said the following officials will reappear in court during Pastor Zhang's hearing: Kong Liang, Jining City Public Security Bureau, the rule of law, civilian police; Li Zhijian, deputy director of Section officer. China Aid Association urges all brothers and sisters in the Lord, to pray for pastor Zhang.

In a media release, CAA also said: "Meanwhile we call on Chinese authorities to immediately stop the persecution of Christians."

[07/10/2008]

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