CAA reports that at 11 am, on May 28, during a Christian worship service at a home at Xiguan Ma Jia Chang, Fugou County, the Public Security Bureau raided the gathering and took 28 church members to the police station. Twenty-three were released later that evening.

One Christian lady, 59-year-old Ms. Liu Yuemei, was released June 1, after her family was forced to pay a fine of 1600 Yuan (US $200). Another lady, 35-year-old Ms. Chang Xinhong, was released June 8, after she promised to pay her fine in cash.

Three Christians still remain at Ba-Yi Prison, Fugou County, Henan Province. They are 58-year-old Ms. Chen Xuelan, who hosted the gathering, 55-year-old Ms. Cao Yan, and 52-year-old Pastor. Li Shunmin.

According to those familiar with this case, during the raid, the police produced no ID, summons, or detention papers. Bibles and notebooks belonging to the church members were confiscated by the police and no receipts were issued.

The Christians decided to make a legal appeal and Dr. Li Baiguang and Dr. Fan Yafeng, two members of Chinese Christian Legal Aid Association agreed to be their legal representatives.

CAA urges the Chinese government to release these Christians and to honor their international and Constitutional commitment for religious freedom.

Interested Christians may communicate their concern to the Chinese authority at the following address:

Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China, 2300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20008; htp://www.china-embassy.org/; TEL: 202-7456743; Fax: 202- 588-0032 ; 202-7457473. Director of Religious Affairs: (202) 328-2512