Release International

Lawyers representing a Christian woman detained for smuggling North Korean refugees into China hope to strike a blow for refugees' rights.

Li Mingshun, a Chinese Korean from Heilongjiang province, north-east China, is in jail in neighbouring Inner Mongolia, charged with helping to smuggle 61 refugees into China.

She was arrested this April at her home in Qingdao. Officials demanded 100,000 yuan (almost £9,000) for her release – a fine her family was unable to pay. Police have threatened to arrest Li's 26-year-old daughter, Piao Zhengying, on similar charges.

Li's family are particularly concerned because she has severe hypertension and heart disease. Lawyers believe this case could help draw attention to the plight of North Korean refugees in China, whom the Chinese authorities tend to detain or forcibly repatriate.

Meanwhile, Pastor 'Bike' Zhang Mingxuan has been arrested yet again – along with 50 leaders from the Chinese House Church Alliance (CHCA) which he heads. Public Security Bureau officials raided Pastor Bike's house church in Nanyang city, Henan, where the CHCA was celebrating its fourth anniversary on July 4. All 51 were released later that day.

(Source: China Aid)

• Pray that Li Mingshun's case will indeed force China to rethink its current policies on North Korean refugees. Ask God to bless and protect Li in custody.
• Continue to pray God's peace over Pastor Bike and his family.

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