The verdicts were severe and were announced immediately following the trial. Two criminal charges were used-- the crime of "illegally occupying farming land" and "disturbing transportation order by gathering masses."  Sister Yang Rongli received 7 years severe sentence for both charges; Pastor Wang 3 yrs for the first charge, brother Yang Xuan, 3 and a half years, and Cui Jiaxing earned 4 and a half years for the first charge; Sister Zhang Huamei was found guilty of the second charge, and sentenced to 4 years in prison.

The Court's conduct throughout the trial clearly indicated the government had decided upon the verdict and prepared it in advance. There were only two 20 minutes breaks for recess, and only four family members of the convicted prisoners were allowed to be present during the trial. Government prosecutors showed over 1000 pages of so-called "evidence materials" related to this case, but the defense lawyers were only allowed to review about 50 pages before the trial to prepare their defense. The six Christian rights defense lawyers, including reknowned Attorneys Li Fangping (Simon) and Zhang Kai (Kevin), presented a very clear and satisfactory defense of the innocence of the five church leaders. Three of the accused church leaders were seen in excellent spirit with clear mind, when the lawyers' were presenting their case. 

Sister Yang Rongli and Pastor Wang Xiaoguang's son was able to briefly chat with his parents during one recess time near the bathroom outside the court room. Sister Yang and Pastor Wang encouraged their son to stand firm in his faith in Christ. Yang and Wang have led the Fushan church, part of the 50,000 members house church network in Linfen and the surrounding villages, for more than 30 years. The Fushan Church leaders unwarranted arrests, detentions, and severe sentences after the massive church destruction on September 13th, marks one of the worst crackdown on house church leaders in the past decade.

"To punish an innocent house church leader for 7 years' imprisonment is the most serious sentence since 2004 when the senior Henan house church leader pastor Zhang Rongliang received a similar length," said ChinaAid President Bob Fu. "We strongly condemn these unjust sentences, which are based on trumped up charges. This case clearly shows the serious deteriorating situation of religious perseution in China. We call upon the Obama administration and international communiy to speak up unequivocally its concern about this case."

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Source:  ChinaAid.org

© 2009 China Aid Association

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