35 Chinese Christians in Zinjiang

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35 Chinese Christians Arrested in Xinjiang Released After Interrogation

American-Korean Pastor Put under Surveillance in a Hotel
New Website for Religious Freedom in China Launched

By Michael Ireland

XINJIANG, CHINA (ANS) -- All 35 Christians arrested October 26, 2006 in a Bible training program held in Qilin mountain Villa, Urumqi city, Xinjiang Autonomous Region have been released. They were released at 11pm after 12 hours of interrogation.

China Aid Association (CAA), in a release to the media says: "The police behaved relatively 'gentle' during the interrogation, according to the eyewitnesses, female Christians were not abused this time, but at least one male Christian were beaten by the interrogators, and 2 Christians were fined 50 Yuan (about 6 US$)."

CAA adds: "After the interrogation focused on the issue of the American Korean pastor is currently under residence surveillance in an unknown hotel, and the police have his passport. The local Christians are not able to converse with him.

"Among the 35 previously arrested, sister Fu Jufang and sister Rao were summoned again to the police station at 1pm on October 27(Beijing Time) and were released at 7pm after 6 hours of interrogation. Sister Zhou Li and another sister are also asked to go to the Yongfeng police station for further investigation next Monday."

CAA also today formally announced the launch of a new website to promote and advance religious freedom for all in China. The name of this website is www.MonitorChina.org .

"We welcome the release of the arrested Chinese house church pastors and we hope the American Korean pastor can be allowed to come back home soon," said Rev. Bob Fu, the president of CAA.

"We hope through timely, accurate and truthful reports as well as faithful actions, the Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be realized in China, which reads: 'Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.'"

CAA gathers verifiable reports on threats and actions against the religious freedom of all people in China, regardless of their religious affiliation. The organization then urges proper actions by concerned communities to help advance religious freedom for all in China.

China Aid Association
Contact: Bob Fu - Phone: (Texas, USA - 267) 205-5210 - Fax: (432) 686-8355 - info@ChinaAid.org
www.ChinaAid.org
www.MonitorChina.org

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is a Special Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.