HONG KONG — Hong Kong Christian businessman Li Guangqiang, accused of smuggling more than 33,000 copies of the Bible into mainland China, has been released.
He returned to Hong Kong February 16. Originally facing possible execution for his offense, the charge of “using an evil cult to undermine the law” was reduced to “illegal sales of overseas publications.” Li was sentenced to two years in prison by a local court in Fujian province.
But following intervention by U.S. President George W. Bush, who took a personal interest in Li’s case, he was suddenly released on the grounds of “poor health.” Li called for the release of two local Fujian Christians — Yu Zhudi and Lin Xifu, both age 42 —who remain in jail because of their involvement in the case.
Share with others: