Franklin Wolf | Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom | China Aid Advisory Board website
On May 13, 2024, a pre-trial meeting was held at the Yuhui District Court in Bengbu City, Anhui Province for the case of Pastor Wan Changchun, Elder Xue Shaoqiang, co-worker Cao Binting, and Wan Chunqin of the Cornerstone Reformed Church in Bengbu. The four Christians are accused of fraud. All attended the hearing with a peaceful demeanor and maintained their willingness to suffer for their faith. They do not acknowledge any connection between the church’s acceptance of offerings and fraud. The court has announced that the formal trial will begin on May 16.
Lawyers believe that the court has generally protected their legal practice but initially blocked family members from entering before allowing them to pass. However, they were unable to see their imprisoned relatives.
Cao Binting’s wife, Ma Peipei, expressed gratitude on Weibo: “The first pre-trial meeting on May 9 and the second pre-trial meeting today have both ended. Although we cannot see the four family members, we have always been accompanying you outside the courtroom. We, who are separated from you by a wall, have always been standing with you! Thank you to all the lawyers for their hard work, and thank you to all the brothers and sisters who have accompanied us!”
The case was originally scheduled for March 25 but was postponed after defense lawyers protested against it being held privately due to alleged state secrets. On May 9, another pre-trial meeting occurred without notifying defendants to appear in court. Lawyers deemed this non-compliant with legal regulations and refused to proceed until negotiations led to a continuation on May 13 with all defendants present.
Lawyer Zhao Qingshan published an article questioning why defendants’ family members were barred from attending because they are testifying. He cited Liu Xunzhen's notice from Yuhui District People’s Court informing her she could not attend as she is a witness.
Zhao Qingshan argues that prohibiting close relatives from attending trials due to prior testimonies does not align with legislative intent under China’s Criminal Procedure Law. He referenced similar cases where family member defense lawyers were disqualified after serving as witnesses for public security.
Zhao emphasized that judicial authorities wield significant power in prosecuting individuals without necessarily needing testimony from close relatives. Allowing family members to defend each other provides emotional support and balances prosecution and defense power.
In conclusion, Zhao stated that maintaining good family ethics is essential for healthy social development.
