China: authorities accuse Christian bookseller of being a 'dangerous religious element'
May 13 2008
Postings >> China

The Chinese authorities have changed their charge against a Christian bookseller from Beijing - and now accuse him of being a 'dangerous religious element'.

It was first thought that Shi Weihan was being investigated again for printing Christian literature - which was why he was detained for five weeks over Christmas. But his lawyer has just confirmed that Shi was rearrested on March 19 for alleged subversion.

Shi's lawyer, who had to wait more than a month to see Shi at the Beijing Municipal Detention Centre, reports that Shi has been interrogated about his relationship with the US. Shi, who is also described as a 'travel agent', is known to have many foreign friends. But these friendships seem to have landed him in deep water.

If the authorities have suspicions about Shi's patriotism, they are wrong, according to Shi's friend Ray Sharpe, who has issued a statement about Shi. 'He longs for foreigners to understand China's culture, her history, her many proud accomplishments,' said Ray. 'I know him as someone who teaches others to love their country, pray for their government and obey the public officials as though they were placed over us by God.'

Shi's lawyer reports that he found Shi, 37, in 'very bad health' and suffering from 'skin irritations' on his visit. Shi's wife is particularly concerned about his diabetes. He has been denied all medical treatment, according to China Aid.

Shi, who runs a bookstore near the Olympic village, had had no previous run-ins with the authorities before his first arrest last November. He was released in January after charges relating to illegal business practices were dropped due to 'insufficient evidence'.

• Ask God to strengthen and heal Shi through His Holy Spirit - and comfort his family.
• Pray that Shi will again be released quickly for lack of evidence against him.