A victim of Chinese government's intolerance of dissent
Mr Wu Zeheng, born 1967, (Zen Master Shi Xingwu), is a prominent Buddhist leader with millions of followers in China, Taiwan and around the world. Since 1998, when he wrote a letter to the Chinese authorities warning that the image of the Chinese Communist Party was "marred greatly", he has been a victim of the Chinese government's intolerance of political dissent, freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Mr Wu was then placed under surveillance and subsequently sentenced to eleven years in prison for "economic crimes", largely thought to be a cover for his political activism. He suffered torture, beatings and pressure to renounce his Buddhist beliefs.
Arrests and harassment compromise religious freedom
Since his release from prison in February 2010, Mr Wu continues to be closely monitored. He has been arrested on two occasions and several of his students have been harassed for associating with him. His freedom of movement has been severely restricted and he has not received a passport, which he applied for in July 2010.
Cry Freedom Campaign – Help bring Wu Zeheng's case to the attention of MEPs
CSW recommends that the international community raise Mr Wu's case with the Chinese authorities, reminding them of their obligations to respect human rights under international law and under the Chinese constitution.
He is one of many Chinese religious leaders, lawyers and political activists who have been victims of the recent crackdown on dissent.
This year, China's Communist Party will undergo a leadership change. And as we lead up to it, the situation for those who are seen to oppose the Communist government is becoming increasingly precarious.
So far MEPs in the UK have received over 1,800 messages urging them to use their influence with China to raise human rights concerns.
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In recent years the situation for Christians in China has improved, but problems still remain. For example, government officials sometimes see church groups as a threat because of the large groups of people gathered without authorisation. In addition, house church leaders have been arrested for their Christian work, and bogus charges brought against them. Most of them can't afford a lawyer, so once they get to court their chance of a fair trial is very small. This gift funds their legal aid, helping to ensure that justice is done!
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