Release International

Two Christian lawyers are counting the high cost of defending human rights in China this week.

High-profile advocate Gao Zhisheng has just been informed that he is to be charged with 'suspicion of inciting subversion of state power' -- months after his arrest. Police seized him at his sister's home in Shadong province in August, as 7x7 reported on September 12.

Mr Zhisheng rose to international prominence after taking on the case of Pastor Cai Zhuohua, who was sentenced to three years last November for printing Christian literature.

According to the Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Mr Zhisheng's own lawyer, Mo Shaoping, has not been allowed to see his client because, allegedly, the case involves state secrets.

Meanwhile, Shanghai lawyer Zheng Enchong reports many incidents of harassment since leaving prison in June. He had served three years for 'illegally providing state secrets overseas'. His conviction was linked to two faxes he sent to the New York-based organisation, Human Rights in China.

Since his release, Mr Enchong has been under house arrest and not been allowed to renew his identity card. Police have raided his home, tapped his phone and called him in for questioning on several occasions, says the World Organisation Against Torture.

Most recently, Mr Enchong was surrounded by a dozen police officers as he tried to make his way to a service at the Mu'en Christian Church in Shanghai. When he insisted on going to church, he was knocked to the ground and then held for questioning. His wife and friend who were due to go to the service with him were also barred.

• Ask God to bless Mr Zhisheng, Mr Enchong and their families with joy and peace.
• Pray that the example of these two brave men would encourage other lawyers to take a principled stand on behalf of China's persecuted believers.

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