Yang Hua preaching in an undated photo.
Photo: ChinaAid
Lawyers representing incarcerated church pastor Yang Hua discovered during a recent visit with their client that he has been suffering from serious health conditions. Yang, who has been in police custody since December 9th of last year for "divulging state secrets" and other falsified charges, is experiencing pain due to a liver condition and additional major health concerns.
Previously, China Aid had received a report from Yang's lawyers, Chen Jiangang and Zhao Yonglin, confirming his poor treatment at the hands of government officials. According to an interview Chen and Zhao conducted with Yang, prosecutors visited him twice, applied pressure to his feet, and repeatedly threatened to kill him and harm his family members if he failed to confess his supposed crimes. After obtaining this information, the lawyers sued the prosecution team, accusing them of "using torture to extort a confession," and requested that the prosecution receive legal repercussions.
Yang's lawyers originally understood that his trial would take place soon after the admittance of evidence to the courts. However, as of yet, no trial date has been announced. More information on the challenges facing Christians in China is available here.
Please pray that Yang will be renewed in spirit, soul, mind and body. May he sense the nearness of our Almighty God's reassuring presence, filling him with greater confidence and faith during this time of trial. Also intercede for Yang's lawyers as they advocate what we hope will be a fair trial and Yang's release so he can receive greatly needed medical attention. May God's peace, strength, wisdom and favour be upon Yang, his loved ones, as well as those representing him, in Jesus' all-powerful name.
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