GUANGZHOU, China — A Christian charged with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” was scheduled to go on trial last week, according to the human rights group China Aid.
The Chinese government scheduled a secret trial for Feb. 11 for Gao Heng, a Christian known for sharing the gospel of Jesus in the streets, protesting abortion and helping to protect the rights of others, the report states. These activities had previously caused police to take notice.
On June 4, 2021, the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, Gao held the sign “June 4, pray for the country,” while standing at a Guangzhou subway station. After midnight, authorities arrested him, China Aid reported.
Gao was placed in criminal detention until July 2021, at which time he was formally arrested. No update on his condition or the result of the trial has yet been reported.
Gao’s church, Guangzhou Bible Reformed Church, sought to minister to his sister and father, neither of whom are Christians. China Aid said local national security agents threatened Gao’s father, and he has refused contact from the church.
China is No. 17 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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