China: House church leader could face execution
Apr 29 2008
Postings >> China

A spate of recent arrests in Xinjiang suggests that China will not easily be cowed by international pressure to clean up its religious rights record before the Olympics.

As the world trains its sights on Beijing, one Xinjiang Christian is facing the prospect of being executed – and many others are being thrown into jail.

The case of Alimjan Yimit, a house church leader and ethnic minority Uyghur (first reported in 7x7 on February 19, 2008), is arousing particular concern. Alimjan, a young professional and father-of-two, has been accused of 'illegal religious activities', 'subversion' and 'endangering national security', a crime which can carry the death penalty.

It's believed that Alimjan has been targeted because of his faith. A verdict on his case is expected imminently, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Concern is also growing for another Uyghur Christian, Wusiman Yiming, who is serving two years' 're-education through labour' after being convicted last September of 'divulging state secrets'. The outcome of his appeal, scheduled for mid-April, has not yet been made public but Wusiman is known to be suffering from malnutrition and a serious hand injury.

And in Kashi city, officials rounded up 46 Christians at a Bible study in a private home on April 13. Most of the group were freed the next day: two were detained for a fortnight.

Meanwhile, in Beijing, bookstore owner Shi Weihan who was held for more than a month for publishing Christian literature last year (7x7, January 8, 2008) has been rearrested. The 37-year-old, whose bookshop is near the Olympic village, has been denied family visits. His wife Zhang Jing is particularly concerned as Shi has diabetes.

• Pray:  Ask God to build the faith of Uyghur Christians in Xinjiang. And thank Him that the Uyghur church is reported to be growing. Pray particularly for the release of Alimjan Yimit and Wusiman Yiming – and for Shi Weihan in Beijing.
   
• Act: Write a polite letter to the Chinese authorities, expressing concern over recent arrests of Uyghur Christians generally and of Alimjan Yimit and Wusiman Yiming in particular, to: Her Excellency Mrs Fu Ying, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL. Fax: 020 7636 2981. Please do not mention RI in your correspondence.