Missions

New VOM Website to Campaign for Freedom of Imprisoned Christians

The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) says its new letter writing campaign has played an important role in helping Christian prisoners to recover their freedom.

The timely release of Mr. Zhang reflects the fact that the international community can be mobilised to urge the Chinese government to honour its commitment on the rule of law and international covenants.

Bob Fu, President China Aid Association

Bob Fu, president of the U.S.-based Chinese Christian persecution monitoring group China Aid Association (CAA) also emphasised the significant contribution of the protest from international community leading to the release of the detained Christian leader.

"The timely release of Mr. Zhang reflects the fact that the international community can be mobilised to urge the Chinese government to honour its commitment on the rule of law and international covenants," stated Fu in a CAA statement issued on Sept. 25, the day of Zhang’s release. The CAA had expressed serious concern on Zhang’s case since he was arrested in September 2003.

"We urge the Chinese government to release all the prisoners of conscience like Mr. Zhang," he added.

According to the CAA, Zhang was "instructed" on what he could or could not say to the outside world after he was escorted out of the labour camp to a police station. The local Public Security Bureau (PSB) also refused to return Zhang's ID card upon his release in order to restrict his travel.

Even though it is expected that the China's Public Security Bureau will follow Zhang and monitor his activities after his release, the freed prisoner gave thanks to the letter writers and praised God for sustaining him during two difficult years in the labour camp, said Nettleton, according to Agape Press.

"Because of your prayers and God's mercy, I could come out of the prison without any resentment or hatred toward the Chinese authorities," Zhang was reported as saying. “In fact, I have more compassion for those who do not know the love of God."

Prior to his arrest, the 47-year-old Christian church historian was very active in promoting the unity of the Chinese house church movement, through which he gained respect from the Christian circle. He was later arrested on the charge of "attempting to subvert the government and socialist system," the CAA reported.

Eunice Or
Christian Today Correspondent

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