Release International

The trial of Christian activist Hua Huiqi is likely to come to court imminently -- as his mother's health takes a serious turn for the worse in prison.

Hua Huiqi, who was arrested with his mother Shuang Shuying in Beijing's Olympic village in January, is likely to appear before Chaoyang District People's Court very soon -- though the charges against him are unknown. He was initially detained for a month pending further investigations, but it is believed he could face up to three years in jail.

Shuang Shuying, who was given a two-year jail term immediately, is said to be 'in a very serious health situation'. She is 76. Doctors have said that a heart problem, diabetes and other complicating factors mean she is too weak to go into a formal prison.

China Aid reports that she is being held in a medical centre, in a one-bedroom flat with two other women prisoners and a 24-hour guard. She was convicted of wilful damage to private property -- apparently damaging a car and a touch-screen computer with her walking stick -- charges she denies.

Shuang Shuying was apparently jailed to punish her son, Hua Huiqi, who is well-known for his work defending the poor and speaking out against the closure of house churches.

Act

• Write to Shuang Shuying at: Beijing Emergency Treatment Centre, Dewai Qinghe Nanzhen Town, 100085, Beijing, China. Please do not mention Release International in your letter.

Pray

• Pray for the speedy release of Shuang Shuying. Ask God to sustain her.
• Pray that international scrutiny of the trial of Hua Huiqi will lead to his acquittal.

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