Thirty-One Christians Sentenced in Major Suizhou Church Case
Thirty-one Christians associated with the Full Scope Church (全范围教会) in Suizhou, Hubei, have received prison sentences in one of the largest recent crackdowns of Christian believers in recent years. The defendants were prosecuted in separate trials and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two years and four months to four years. Among those sentenced were Pastor Song Yude (宋玉德), who received the longest sentence of four years, and Yang Zhijin (杨治金), a 77-year-old Christian who was sentenced to three years and two months.
Court documents cited by rights groups indicate that the defendants were convicted of “using a cult organization to undermine implementation of the law.” Prosecutors relied on evidence such as organizing fellowship gatherings, conducting ministry training, evangelizing, and assisting fellow believers in obtaining legal representation. Rights advocates argue that the case reflects a broader pattern of criminalizing peaceful religious activity through the use of anti-cult and public-order provisions, while information about the proceedings has remained tightly restricted.
Six Christians in Guizhou Approved for Arrest Over Religious Activities Involving Minors
Authorities in Kaili, Guizhou, have approved the arrests of six Christians associated with a local house church: Yang Aimin (杨爱民), Zhang Chunlei (张春雷), Wang Honglan (王洪兰), Li Guizhen (李桂珍), Wu Guifang (吴贵芳), and Luo Xianping (罗显平). Prosecutors have accused them of “organizing minors to engage in activities that undermine public order,” a charge linked to church activities involving children, including religious instruction, Bible study, and preaching to minors.
Yunnan House Church Members Prosecuted After Police Raid
In Yunnan, authorities formally approved the arrests of Yu Shaolin (虞少林), Li Qin (李勤), and Luo Ping (罗平), members of the Century New City Church (世纪新城教会) in Kunming on May 20. The three were detained after police raided a church gathering on April 12 and are now accused of “organizing illegal gatherings.” The church, which serves a small congregation that includes cancer patients, people suffering from depression, and other socially vulnerable individuals, has appealed for legal and public support. Concerns have also been raised about Yu Shaolin (虞少林)’s health, as he suffers from multiple serious medical conditions while being held at the Guandu District Detention Center.
Three Guangzhou Christians Released on Bail in Church Publishing Case
Three Christians from Guangzhou — Zheng Zhoulin (郑周林), Li Yuesui (李岳遂), and Xiong Zhuo (熊卓) — have been released on bail pending trial after being accused of “illegal business operations” for producing, distributing, and selling Christian books and religious materials. The case had recently advanced to the prosecutorial review stage, but defense lawyers stated that prosecutors found insufficient evidence to show that the defendants acted with a profit motive. The materials involved were non-political Christian publications focused on apologetics, science and faith, and the historical reliability of the Bible.
Guizhou Activist Sentenced for Online Speech and Rights Advocacy
Guizhou rights activist Zhang Zhongshun (张忠顺) was sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.” The case was linked to his online comments, petitioning activities, and participation in rights defense efforts. Authorities accused him of repeatedly posting information deemed disruptive to public order and of engaging in activities connected to other petitioners and activists. Based on available information, his projected release date is around May 2028.
Zhang has a long history of activism and has a prior detention related to public-interest advocacy and criticism of local authorities. Over the years, he has supported fellow petitioners and used online platforms to raise concerns about alleged official misconduct and other social issues.
Dong Guangping Reaches South Korea After Sea Escape
Chinese dissident Dong Guangping (董广平) fled China in May 2026 by crossing the Yellow Sea in a small rubber boat, reaching South Korean waters after a journey of more than 30 hours. South Korean authorities detained him on arrival on suspicion of violating immigration laws, though a court later declined to approve a formal arrest warrant. Dong is seeking protection abroad and hopes to reunite with family members who previously resettled in Canada.
Dong, a former police officer turned human rights activist, has been repeatedly imprisoned for his political activities. He was sentenced in 2001 for “inciting subversion of state power” and was again detained after participating in activities commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. After fleeing to Thailand in 2015 and being recognized as a refugee by the UN, he was forcibly returned to China, where he was later sentenced again on charges including inciting subversion and illegal border crossing.