NEWS UPDATE: Around the world

CHINA

Human rights lawyer Chang Weiping has been behind bars since 22 October 2020, when he was detained for ‘inciting subversion’. In March 2021, news emerged that the charges against him had been changed to ‘subversion’. This means he now faces a much heavier punishment if convicted, up to life imprisonment, purely for his peaceful defence of fundamental freedoms. Among others, Chang has defended members of the banned spiritual movement Falun Gong, and Christians who attend unregistered ‘house’ churches.

He remains at high risk of severe torture, while his family continue to be harassed at home. His wife, Chen Zijuan, described their seven-year-old son as ‘scared to the point of insomnia…He even asks what he would do if the police hold a gun to his head.’

印度

We’re sad to report that Nehemiah Christie, a Christian religious leader and human rights defender based in Tamil Nadu, India, passed away on 6 June. He is survived by his wife, Deepika, and their two daughters Elena Abigail (12) and Neginah Yale (4). We’re humbled by Nehemiah’s courage, faith and determination to stand up for the rights of others, whatever the cost.

巴基斯坦

In June Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel were released from death row, after the Lahore High Court acquitted them on blasphemy charges. They were sentenced to death in 2014 for sending blasphemous text messages to a local cleric. The couple are illiterate and unable to text in English; they have always maintained their innocence. Thank you so much for your prayers for them over the years – we thank God for their freedom!