On the morning of May 14, 2024, preacher Chang Hao, who was accused of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” received his verdict from the Zhenxiong Court. The court sentenced him to one year and one month in prison. Chang Hao had been arrested on April 14, 2023, exactly one year and one month prior to the verdict. Consequently, upon the announcement of the verdict, Chang Hao immediately gained his freedom and exited the courtroom with his family and fellow Christians.
Following his release, Chang Hao took a commemorative photo with everyone at the courthouse door. At 4:30 p.m. Beijing time, Chang Hao’s wife Enlin expressed her gratitude in her WeChat Moments: “Thank you everyone, we are already on our way home!” Later that evening at 7:55 p.m., she posted again 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.”
Chang Hao has faced numerous encounters with law enforcement due to his Christian faith and long-term attention to social justice issues. Suffering from a level-two disability and diabetes, he was taken away by the Zhenxiong Public Security Bureau on April 14, 2023. His Bibles, spiritual books, and gospel masks were all searched and confiscated from his home.
Chang Hao was approved for arrest on suspicion of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” on May 15, 2023. Following two withdrawals for supplementary investigation on November 23, 2023, he was prosecuted by the procuratorate to the Zhenxiong County People’s Court for this crime. The procuratorate accused him of “repeatedly publishing and reposting false information and inappropriate remarks on the Internet," which they claimed caused serious disruption of public order and created an adverse social impact. Chang Hao, however, did not accept these accusations and refused to confess to the crime or accept punishment.
On April 11, 2024, the first anniversary of Chang Hao’s arrest, the Zhenxiong Court held a pre-trial meeting. The following day saw a full-day trial during which Chang Hao’s two lawyers defended his innocence. In an open letter, Chang Hao’s family appealed to the judicial authorities to protect his legal rights in accordance with the law and to fairly hear his case.
On April 29, 2024, defense lawyer Mr. Yuan met with Chang Hao who expressed that he was prepared to serve five years in prison if necessary. The next day, another hearing was held by the Zhenxiong Court. After this hearing, Enlin revealed that the judge had informed her that Chang would be sentenced to the lightest term possible.
Today, Mr. Yuan was unable to attend court due to other commitments. Upon learning of the verdict, he expressed regret that Chang's sentence was one month longer than expected but accepted it as God’s further “tempering” of Chang Hao. He admired Chang Hao's firm attitude and simple common sense which he said surpassed many people's understanding.
