BEIJING — Beijing Christian bookstore owner Shi Weihan is awaiting the outcome of an Aug. 19 court appearance and may be back in court within 10 days, according to sources.
Denied proper medication and diet for his diabetes, Shi is almost “unrecognizable” due to severe weight loss, according to family members.
Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers initially arrested Shi Nov. 28, charging him with “illegal business practices” after he allegedly published Christian literature without authorization for distribution to house churches.
Court officials ordered his release Jan. 4, citing insufficient evidence. Officers arrested him again March 19 and reportedly forced him to sign a “confession” convicting him of engaging in the printing and distribution of a large number of illegal publications. They also forced Shi’s Antioch Eternal Life Church to close in June. Initially the Beijing PSB denied having Shi in custody, with officials claiming they did not know his whereabouts.
After Shi’s attorney Zhang Xingshui applied pressure, officers finally admitted having him and allowed a single visit with his attorney.
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