Thursday, March 2, 2006

ALL OF THE ARRESTED CHURCH LEADERS AND STUDENTS IN ANHUI SCHOOL CLOSURE RELEASED
Christian Literature Confiscated Has Not Been Returned

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

CHINA (ANS) -- All 36 Chinese leaders and students from a school in Huaibei City, Anhui Province, have been released following international pressure regarding their arrest and closure of the school.

The Midland, Texas-based China Aid Association learned that shortly after it called for the immediate release of the innocent Christian leaders and students, the 36 were released in the evening of the same day of the raid.

However, CAA says the 10,000 copies of the unlawfully confiscated Christian literature were not returned. Instead, they were given to a government committee, which will rule whether or not they are "illegal literature."

The released students will continue their classes today. CAA also learned that a top provincial PSB official who directs the crackdown campaign decided the release after creating international pressure.

The 36 students and leaders were taken into custody at 10 a.m. on March 1, 2006 (Beijing Time) in Huaibei City, Anhui Province. The school was raided by officers of the Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB).