Shuang's husband dies the day after she is released from jail

The husband of a 79-year-old Chinese Christian has died the day after she was set free from jail. The authorities earlier withheld permission for Shuang Shuying to leave jail to pay her last respects to her dying husband. It’s claimed they would only let her go if she betrayed other Christians.

Shuang Shuying, who was tortured for her faith, completed her sentence just in time to be by her husband’s bedside as he passed away. 

91-year-old Hua Zaichen remained unconscious as Shuang sat holding his hand. He died the following day.

The Beijing authorities repeatedly denied Shuang’s request for a final meeting with her husband, even when it became clear he was at the point of death.

Shuang’s son, Pastor Hua Huiqi, said the authorities tried to exploit his mother’s desperation to see her husband, and put pressure on her to inform on other Christians.

But Pastor Hua said, ‘My mother would rather suffer than surrender and betray our brothers and sisters.’ The Pastor, who is an outspoken human rights campaigner, said his family was thankful for the letters of comfort and support they received from all over the world.

Release International, which serves persecuted Christians worldwide, has been campaigning for the release of Shuang Shuying. ‘We are humbled by the example of this elderly couple who have paid so dearly for religious freedom in China,’ says Release International CEO Andy Dipper.

‘Shuang Shuying and her family continue to suffer persecution from Chinese officials because of their faith. Thank you to all who are praying for this family and are providing aid for them in their hour of great trial.’ (See news release of Feb 9 for further details).