G20: Beijing free Christians from five months in prison for subversion
Ji Qingcao, Ji Qingcou, Ou Jinsi, Mei Xueshun and He Lijing were arrested in April on charges of public disorder and obstruction to the government. In fact, they were protesting the demolition of the Guankou Church. A Wenzhou Christian: The government is trying to pacify the area ahead of the summit of world powers.
Beijing (AsiaNews) – Without any prior warning, Chinese authorities have suddenly released five Christians, detained for over four months in prison. The release took place on 28 August, but the news filtered through only in these last hours. Local sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that behind the decision there could be the upcoming G20 summit, scheduled to open in Hangzhou - in the eastern coastal province of Zhejiang - on September 4.
Ji Qingcao, Ji Qingcou, Ou Jinsi, Mei Xueshun and He Lijing were arrested last April for "obstructing the work of government bodies" and having "stirred up public disorder". The five were part of a group of demonstrators, who opposed the demolition of the Guankou church in September of 2015.
According to China Aid, before the arrests last April the authorities had already detained several faithful on spurious or bogus charges to keep them in prison.
A Christian from Wenzhou explains: "I have a feeling that the government is trying to appease people before the summit". Moreover, he adds, since there was the formalization of the G20, the authorities he government begins to worry that they have detained the Christians for too long. The local government was concerned about petitions organized by the family members, thinking higher officials would pressure them," the Christian added.
A pastor of another Protestant church is still detained, held by the authorities for having "brought together a crowd" with the aim of "disturbing public order".
Wen Xiaowu, head of a church in Rui'an, was arrested along with his wife and son on April 15, after meeting US officials from the US diplomatic representation in Shanghai.
For the first time, China is to host a G20 summit of the forum created in 1999 and which brings together the 19 most industrialized countries of the world and the European Union. World leaders expected at the event include US President Barack Obama, his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Theresa May, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.
Local sources speaking to the international press say that factories authorities have closed down the factories in the area of Hangzhou, in anticipation of the G20. A migrant worker denounces the seizure of the cylinder used for cooking, because it would not have met - according to the government - the safety standards. Security has been stepped up in the city’s most popular areas.
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