The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org has learned that the owner of a Christian bookstore near the Olympic Village in Beijing is being illegally held in an undisclosed location by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials who charge only that the prominent house church leader is a "dangerous religious element."Shi Weihan, a leader, publisher, and father of two daughters, has been held for three months, a month longer than legally permitted, without formal charges or a court hearing and has only been allowed one visit with his attorney. Arrested on March 19, Weihan was expected to finally stand trial two weeks ago, but the PSB has stated that any action on the case will be delayed indefinitely.
Police have been overly interested in Weihan and his legally operated bookstore near the Olympic Village since November of last year when they initially arrested him on charges of "illegal business practices," but were forced to release him in January for lack of sufficient evidence. The timing of his re-arrest and illegal detention remains suspicious in light of the recent crackdown on Chinese house church leaders and other suspected "dissidents," especially given the proximity of Weihan's bookstore to the Olympic stage in Beijing.
Concer! n is mou nting over Weihan's health as he struggles with diabetes and police have provided no indication that he is receiving any sort of medication. During the only visit afforded to his attorney, Zhang Xingshui, Weihan was described as having lost a significant amount of weight and as exhibiting signs of what officials called an "allergic reaction," though the same symptoms are also common in diabetics who do not have the necessary diet or medication.
Despite his health and the illegal conditions of his detention, the PSB is refusing to allow his family or attorney to see him, citing a "complex case" as the only explanation for their ongoing investigations and delays in processing.
While it seems that China's government is attempting to sweep this "dissident" under the rug, Weihan has been described by countless friends and business acquaintances as a "model citizen of China," claiming that his patriotism inspired them to greater love for their homeland. Weihan is also said to have sacrificially served the poor and minority children in rural communities, and now he and his family are in need of others to speak on their behalf.
ICC is joining Open Doors USA and China Aid Association in speaking up for Shi Weihan. Would you join us and contact your Chinese embassy to voice your concern over this case? Politely tell the embassy officials that you believe that Shi Weihan should be given regular access to his attorney to ensure that he is fairly represented, that his family should be allowed the right to visit and bring his diabetic medication, and that steps should be taken to ensure that he is given a fair and speedy trial.