Yang Caizhen

Update February 15, 2011

Yang Caizhen’s daughter Esther received word last week that her mother was in the hospital. This is the second time she has been in the hospital since she was arrested. The first time, her family was not informed, so this time they think her condition is more serious. Yang Caizhen is due to be released in July or August, but her family hopes she can be released early on medical parole. Esther also said the prison recently changed its visitor policy. Previously, almost anyone could visit Yang Caizhen. Now, only close family members can visit.

Prisoner Details

On Nov. 25, 2009, Yang Caizhen and four other Linfen-Fushan church leaders from Shanxi Province were sentenced to criminal detention for two to seven years, according to China Aid Association. The five church leaders were accused of "gathering people to disturb the public order," because they organized a prayer rally on Sept. 14, the day after 400 military police raided the church's grounds. During the raid, more than 30 believers were seriously wounded and 17 buildings were destroyed.