Urgent Appeal: Allegations of Judicial Misconduct and Human Rights Violations in the Fengsheng Church Scam Case

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The fraud case involving Pastor Lian Changnian and colleagues from Fengsheng Church is scheduled to open on July 9, 2025 (Beijing Time). The attorneys for the defendants—Pastor Lian Changnian, Pastor Lian Xuliang, and Deacon Fu Juan—have been forcibly dismissed by the court. Furthermore, victim Qin Wen, who insisted on testifying, was retaliatorily detained for 12 days and subsequently fired from her job. Her detention period ended just as the court hearing concluded.

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Behind this incident lies a distressing series of power abuses and a ruthless suppression of civil liberties.

Attorneys for Defendants Forcibly Dismissed

On the afternoon of June 24, 2025, after the morning session of the trial concluded, the afternoon session was scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM. At 2:20 PM, family members, victims, defendants, and lawyers lined up for security checks when a bizarre scene unfolded: court bailiffs denied entry, stating they needed the judge’s permission.

No one involved in the case was able to enter until the court closed for the day and locked its doors. During this time, the lawyers repeatedly called the clerk to request that they contact the judge and allow the lawyers into the courtroom. The clerk consistently replied: “I don’t have the judge’s number, the judge isn’t here…”

Near closing time, the court summoned the three defendants into the courtroom and directly announced that the session was canceled. They then forcibly terminated the attorneys’ representation, citing “unjustified lawyer absenteeism,” and demanded that the defendants appoint new lawyers within five days, failing which the court would appoint them.

Victim Qin Wen Detained and Fired After Testifying

Qin Wen insisted on testifying during the June 24th trial. She believed that honesty would reveal the truth to the court, unaware that her courage would come at a heavy price.

Before the trial, the public security bureau repeatedly threatened her, stating that if she appeared, she would lose her job. She did not back down and chose to stand in court.

Less than a week after the trial, Qin Wen was detained for 12 days by the public security bureau on charges of “preaching to minors.” This accusation stemmed from an incident half a year prior, where she and several others were investigated, but she was not detained, and the case was closed. The revival of this old case, immediately following her court appearance, and her release coinciding with the end of the trial, clearly suggests retaliation aimed at preventing her from testifying again and to intimidate other victims.

Even more heartbreaking, she lost her job. Her company terminated her employment contract, citing “being summoned by public security and suspected of illegal activity.” The public security’s earlier threats came true; Qin Wen lost her livelihood for speaking the truth.

Why Did the Court Refuse Victims’ Testimony?

Qin Wen explicitly stated in court that she had not suffered any form of fraud. In fact, like many other church members, she voluntarily participated in church activities due to her faith and was never subjected to any financial coercion or fraud.

However, Qin Wen, as one of the alleged victims, was repeatedly threatened and intimidated by relevant authorities to prevent her from testifying. On the day of the trial, dozens of other alleged victims were also turned away by the court.

Why would the court refuse the testimony of victims? This is a question we must ponder deeply. If victims personally testify, clearly stating that the “fraud” allegations are unfounded, this should be a crucial step in clarifying the facts of the case. However, the court’s actions have made this trial appear exceptionally absurd.

Community Warnings, Police Talks: The Oppression Never Ceases

Outside the courtroom, Qin Wen and other “victims” did not receive the legal protection they deserved; instead, they were threatened and intimidated by various parties. Community workers repeatedly warned them, and police officers intervened through “talks.”

These seemingly “normal” administrative actions are, in fact, severe interferences with individual freedom and freedom of belief. Some individuals, in their pursuit of religious freedom, are groundlessly labeled “suspects.” They not only lose their reputation but are also forced to face community surveillance and social ostracism.

Call for Justice: Speak Out for Freedom of Belief and Civil Rights

We appeal:

1. The law should protect every citizen’s freedom of belief and personal rights. Christians, like any other citizen, enjoy equal legal protection and rights.
2. The court should restore the right to legal defense and allow lawyers to defend their clients according to law, without unlawfully abusing power to forcibly deprive lawyers of their right to defense.
3. The court should conduct fair trials, providing victims with ample opportunity to testify and allowing them to express the true facts and their stance in court.
4. Public power should strictly adhere to the rule of law, prevent abuse of power, and not subject citizens to unfair treatment due to personal beliefs and freedom of expression, nor should it abuse public power for judicial retaliation.

The freedom and dignity of Christians must also be respected by society and protected by law. Only by ensuring that everyone’s fundamental rights are not infringed upon can we truly implement the comprehensive rule of law!

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We ask our brothers and sisters to pray for the trial of Xi’an Fengsheng Church on July 9, 2025！ Beijing Date.

“The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.”(Psalm 9:7)