China: health of imprisoned Christian bookseller deteriorates
Sep 16 2008
Postings >> China

Campaigners are demanding the immediate release of Beijing bookseller Shi Weihan whose health has deteriorated so badly in custody that he is now 'unrecognisable'.

Shi, still awaiting the outcome of a court appearance four weeks ago, has been denied proper medication and diet for his diabetes since his arrest in March. China Aid says he has lost more than 10kg in weight.

Shi has been forced to sign a 'confession' convicting him of printing and distributing a large number of illegal publications, reports Compass Direct. He was first arrested last November and charged with 'illegal business practices' linked with Christian publishing – but was released on January 4 due to 'insufficient evidence'.

Shi's bookstore near the Olympic village, which sells only books for which he had official permission, remained open during the Games. His Antioch Eternal Life church, however, was closed in June. Shi's wife and two daughters are said to be under 'great strain'.

Meanwhile, Pastor Zhang 'Bike' Mingxuan and his wife, arrested on August 6, were released in Henan three weeks later. China Aid says they spent a 'forced vacation' accompanied by officials during the Games. Pastor Zhang, president of the Chinese House Church Alliance, was banned from returning to Beijing before the end of the Paralympics.

(Sources: China Aid Association, Compass Direct, VOM Canada)

Pray for the immediate release of Shi Weihan. Ask God to strengthen him.

Write to the Chinese embassy in London expressing concern for Shi Weihan: Her Excellency Mrs Fu Ying, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL. Tel: 020 7299 4049.  Fax: 020 7636 2981.