Christian Solidarity Worldwide has voiced concerns over reports of a
crackdown on unregistered Christian meetings in China's Xinjiang
province.
It was responding to reports from China Aid Association warning that
in the last five months, a number of groups have been closed down, fined
or had members detained by the police.
Most of the meetings had fewer than 20 people and were taking place in a private residence.
A group in Yili was closed down by the authorities and in Kurla,
police armed with guns and electric batons searched a house that was
being used for church meetings, with one woman being detained.
In June, police and security officials interrupted two meetings in
Urumqi, with two members being detained. Another meeting was interrupted
in August and one of them was taken in for a second time. He has filed
for administrative reconsideration in a bid to stop the interference.
CSW says that in a majority of cases, the officials failed to show identification or a warrant for the searches.
The Chinese government permits Christian activities in state approved churches but unregistered churches are considered illegal.
In Xinjiang there are greater restrictions on civil and political
rights, with even registered religious activities being closely
monitored, CSW said.
CSW's Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, "We are very concerned
about restrictions on peaceful meetings of Christians and other
religious minorities in Xinjiang. By prohibiting even small-scale,
private religious activities, the government is severely restricting
individuals' right to freedom of religion or belief.
"Furthermore, the fact that, in many cases, police and security
officers do not show any identification or warrant reflects the general
weakness in rule of law in the region.
"We urge the Chinese government and Xinjiang local government to
protect the right of all religious minorities to freedom of religion or
belief, and to allow those who believe they have been wrongfully
detained to file for administrative reconsideration."