SHANXI PROVINCE, China — The Chinese Community Party charged a Christian father July 7 with “illegally holding materials promoting terrorism and extremism.”
According to a report by China Aid, a Christian human rights organization that promotes religious freedom in China, the charges came after police, without a warrant, summoned 35-year-old Zhao Weikai on May 17 for “proselytism” and raided his home. His wife, Li Xin, was summoned later in the day.
The couple home-schools their children. The “proselytism” may be related to the couple’s educational choice.
Officials have threatened arrest unless the children go to public school.
China Aid reported that police confiscated numerous books, a computer, hard drive and flash drive during the raid.
Li was released May 17; Zhao received a 15-day, administrative detention.
Family, a minister and an attorney sought to visit Zhao on May 20, but officials denied access, saying the case involves “classified information” or “national security concerns.”
China Aid also reported that Zhao was questioned about his church, Taiyuan Xuncheng Reformed Church.
China is No. 17 on Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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