U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2008)

U.S. Department of State

Press Statement
Robert Wood, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 23, 2008

CHINA: Physical Abuse and Detention of Pastor "Bike" Zhang's Family

We are gravely concerned by the brutal beating of Pastor Zhang "Bike" Mingxuan's two sons by public security officials. We are also deeply concerned by continuing official harassment of Pastor Zhang, a prominent Beijing house church leader, including his arbitrary detention and the forced relocation of his family. We call upon the Government of China immediately to release Pastor Zhang and permit his family members to return home, to condemn the violent acts committed against his sons, and to bring to justice those individuals responsible for such acts.

We are concerned about a pattern of intimidation of religious freedom and rule of law advocates and their family members. We urge China to honor those international human rights instruments to which it is a signatory that protect the rule of law, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion.

2008/903

Released on October 23, 2008