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Pastor And Three Members Of The Alliance Church In Anhui Were Sentenced For Opposing State Surveillance And The Removal Of Crosses, Revealing The Increase Of Chinese Government Control Over Religious Activities
A pastor and three members of the Alliance Church in the Chinese province of Anhui were sentenced to prison for “intentional destruction of property.” The court decision, announced this month, drew attention because it involves an officially registered congregation that had already shown resistance to the religious policies of Xi Jinping’s government.
Sentences And Charges
According to the organization China Aid, Pastor Zhao Hongliang was sentenced to one year and one month in prison. The three church members received sentences ranging from one year to four months of imprisonment.
All were tried for opposing the installation of surveillance cameras and the removal of crosses from the churches.
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According to information from the trial, the group was accused of acting against measures of the communist regime that impose strict control over religious activities.
The court found that they caused “intentional damage” to public property.
Reason For The Complaint
Sources cited by China Aid stated that the charges arose after community members removed surveillance equipment installed at the church entrance by local authorities.
The act was interpreted as sabotage against state monitoring policies.
Religious Repression And State Control
The Alliance Church, while being an officially recognized institution, has been critically opposing the increase of state interference in worship.
Among the imposed demands were the removal of crosses, the mandatory installation of cameras, and the prohibition of minors from attending ceremonies.
The case highlights the tensions between religious freedom and government surveillance in China, where authorized churches also face constant pressure from the State.
With information from Gazeta do Povo.
