Source:  www.assistnews.net

Date: 2008-07-23

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

SHANGDONG PROVINCE, CHINA (ANS) -- Pastor Zhang Zhongxin, of Jining City, Shandong Province, was transferred to a Shandong labor camp to begin his two years re-education through labor on July 6, 2008.

China Aid Association (CAA) says that on July 11, Zhang's lawyer Li Fangping along with Zhang's wife Wang Guiyun met with pastor Zhang in the Labor Camp.

CAA says that on the morning of July 14, Wang Guiyun, representing her husband, submitted an appeal to the District of People's Court of Jining City requesting that the court of Jining City withdraw the labor camp decision.

The appeal has been submitted to the District Court and is awaiting review.

The Shandong reeducation-through-labor management committee in Jining City issued a written decision sentencing Zhang Zhongxin to two years re-education through labor on July 4, 2008.

According to China Aid, Zhang started the re-education through labor program July 4, 2008 and is scheduled to be released June 5, 2010.

CAA said: "Authorities accused him of cult participation in 'the whole scope of the Church,' organized 'Sunday School' training courses, preaching the Gospel to the northwest, Tibet and other places for missionaries, and pioneers sermons."

The authorities also say: "Since 2005, he established the 'Rainbow Missions Fellowship in Jining of Shandong' and 'Timothy Bible training school,' training ministers and presented graduation certificates."