HUMAN RIGHTS: AMBASSADOR URGES CHINA TO RELEASE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 004061 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM, DRL NSC FOR WILDER E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2033 TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV KIRF CH SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS: AMBASSADOR URGES CHINA TO RELEASE ZHANG MINGXUAN, CEASE HARASSING FAMILY MEMBERS Classified By: Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) The U.S. Government is deeply concerned about reports that PRC authorities detained China House Church Alliance President Pastor Zhang Mingxuan (aka "Pastor Bike") and prevented one of Pastor Zhang's sons from receiving medical treatment after severely beating him and harassing Pastor Zhang's family members, the Ambassador told MFA International Organizations Department Director General Wu Hailong on October 23. The Ambassador urged China to release Pastor Zhang from detention immediately, ensure that Pastor Zhang's injured son receives access to proper medical treatment and cease the harassment of Pastor Zhang's family members. DG Wu, the senior MFA official with responsibility for human rights issues, stated that Pastor Zhang's case is an "internal affair" to be handled "in accordance with China's laws," but said he would instruct his colleagues to look into the matter. End summary. Ambassador Urges China to Release House Church Pastor Zhang Mingxuan, Cease Harassment of Family Members -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) The Ambassador told MFA International Organizations DG Wu Hailong on October 23 that the United States is deeply concerned about reports that PRC authorities detained Pastor Zhang Mingxuan and prevented Pastor Zhang's son from receiving medical treatment after severely beating him and harassing members of his family. The Ambassador told DG Wu that authorities ordered Pastor Zhang and his wife to leave Beijing during the Olympics and, during the past few days, forced the eviction of Pastor Zhang's wife from her Beijing apartment and severely beat Pastor Zhang's sons with metal rods. The Ambassador also advised DG Wu of reports that authorities had prevented Pastor Zhang's elder son, Zhang Jian, from receiving medical treatment after severely beating and injuring him. ¶3. (C) Although DG Wu stated that he had not heard of Pastor Zhang's case, MFA IO Human Rights Division Director Yan Jiarong said she is familiar with the case from previous Embassy interventions with the MFA beginning in early July. DG Wu stated that Pastor Zhang's case is an "internal affair" to be handled "in accordance with China's laws" but quickly added that he would instruct his colleagues to look into the case. RANDT