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Elder Zhang Chunlei faces sentencing amid health concerns

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Franklin Wolf | Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom | China Aid Advisory Board website

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 the Guiyang Intermediate People’s Court. The trial took place in closed sessions on January 27, 2022, and November 29, 2022. After one year and eight months since the trial began, a verdict is set to be announced.

On May 12, 2019, the Guiyang Ren’ai Reformed Church led by Elder Zhang was banned by local authorities. On March 16, 2021, the church was raided, resulting in multiple arrests and searches of homes. That evening, Elder Zhang went to inquire at the police station and was detained immediately. He underwent administrative detention followed by criminal detention. Upon completion of his criminal detention period, he was formally arrested on suspicion of "fraud." On January 27, 2022, he faced charges of "suspected incitement to subvert state power" and "suspected fraud." During the trial on November 29, no witnesses or victims appeared in court.

At the end of 2023, Elder Zhang was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis after being hospitalized for over a month due to cholecystitis and other illnesses. Despite receiving intravenous treatment for more than 20 days during this period, neither his lawyer nor his family were informed about his liver condition. In early May this year, when visited by his defense lawyer at the Guiyang Detention Center, Elder Zhang appeared thinner with completely white hair; however, the lawyer remained unaware of his earlier diagnosis.

Elder Zhang's wife Yang Aiqing stated that he had no history of liver diseases before imprisonment. Recently, his defense lawyer applied for bail at the family's request but was rejected by the Guiyang Intermediate People’s Court. No recent medical examination has been arranged for him at the detention center despite concerns from his family.

During his detention spanning over three years and four months on charges of inciting subversion of state power and fraudsionary statements regarding religious policies but denies any intent to incite subversion. Concerning fraud allegations: none of those identified as victims have filed reports or requested refunds from either him or the church; some investigating officers have also indicated that this should not constitute fraud.

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