Release International

A Chinese court will today begin proceedings against an Uyghur Christian who faces a possible death sentence for 'endangering national security'.

Alimjan Yimit from Xinjiang will appear before the Kashi District Intermediate People’s Court on charges of having separatist sympathies and of leaking state secrets overseas.

A rumour, apparently circulated by government officials, suggests that the court has already decided that Alimjan will be given a six-year sentence. The crime of endangering national security carries a maximum penalty of death.

Alimjan, a young professional with two children, was raised as a Muslim but turned to Christ and later became a house church leader.

7x7 has reported previously that officials ordered Alimjan to close down his Kashgar-based business, Xinjiang Jiaerhao Foodstuff Company Ltd, last September (7x7, 19 February 2008). They accused him of using it as a cover for 'preaching Christianity among people of Uyghur ethnicity'.

The Chinese authorities appear to be waging a concerted campaign against Christians among the mainly Muslim Uyghur community of Xinjiang province in north-west China. At least five other Uyghur Christians there have been detained recently, including charismatic leader Osman Imin who was sentenced to two years' 're-education through labour'.

Most recent was the arrest of prominent house church leader Lou Yuanqi on May 16. Pastor Lou, who has been arrested several times before, is currently being held at the Huocheng County Detention Centre on a charge of 'inciting separatism', says China Aid.

Even the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province has not stopped the Chinese authorities from harassing Christians. China Aid has reported at least 14 separate incidents of churches being raided or Christians being arrested this month.

• Pray that international scrutiny of Alimjan’s case will force the court to acquit him.
• Pray for the many Christians arrested in May, including Lou Yuangi from Xinjiang.

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