Chinese preacher Li Dexian arrested.

January 11 2000

House Church preacher Li Dexian was arrested this morning for the eighth time in fourteen weeks. Li was arrested just before his 10.00 a.m. meeting today, when three van loads of police arrived to take him away.

The regular arrests on Tuesday mornings at Li’s popular meeting place in Huadu are part of an ongoing campaign to intimidate Li and others into bringing their religious activities under the control of the State. It is believed that the arrests are part of a policy ordered from high levels to increase the pressure on such groups to register with the State.

On the last occasion that Li was detained he was told that the decision to arrest him was not in the hands of the local officers, but came from higher up.

The recent spate of harassment began exactly three months ago, on 11th October, when around 200 officers came to the site of Li’s meetings and illegally destroyed the large shelter where the people gathered to hear Li preach.

The police then returned and arrested Li on 12th October and then again on 19th October, 26th October, 9th November, when he was held for 15 days, 7th December, 14th December, 28th December, and now, today, 11th January.

Physical mistreatment and threats have also been used to intimidate Li and those arrested with him.

The House Churches have come under increased pressure as a result of the crackdown on the Falun Gong.

Although the House Churches represent mainstream Christianity and do not take political stances, they remain targets for State attacks and continue to face pressure for not being registered.

The majority of China’s Christians choose to worship outside the State controlled churches as they view the restraints imposed by such control, such as prohibitions on teaching certain doctrines and certain groups of people, to be inconsistent with true Christianity.

Catholics and Protestants alike face pressure from the state resulting in many cases of detention, imprisonment and other forms of oppression.

CSW’s International Advocate stated “CSW is deeply concerned by the constant intimidation of Pastor Li Dexian.

This ongoing pattern of persecution presents China in a very bad light, especially as Li’s peaceful teachings and practice represent mainstream Christianity as practised around the world and cannot be regarded as dangerous.” CSW encourages those interested to register their concern with the Chinese authorities.

(Those in Britain may do so by contacting the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the United Kingdom, 49-51 Portland Place London W1N 4JL, fax 0171-636 2981, phone 0171-636 5726, Ambassador: Mr. Ma Zhengang.)

STOP PRESS 12th January 2000 : LI DEXIAN RELEASED

Li Dexian, the Chinese House Church preacher, was released today after being arrested yesterday morning. He is in good condition and said that he was treated decently.