Charges Shift against Christian Bookstore Owner in China

Authorities now accuse Shi Weihan as ‘dangerous religious element.’

by Jeff M. Sellers

LOS ANGELES, An advocacy organization reported this week that Chinese authorities now accuse a Beijing businessman of being a “dangerous religious element” – which a long-time friend dismissed as contrary to Christian bookstore owner Shi Weihan’s gentle, patriotic nature.

Authorities have been slow to reveal charges against Shi, who after his original arrest for “illegal business practices” on November 28, 2007 was released on January 4 due to “insufficient evidence.” He was re-arrested on March 19, according to his wife Zhang Jing, for printing Bibles and Christian literature.

Until last week he had been denied a visit by his attorney. Following that visit, China Aid Association reported on Monday (April 28) that authorities were holding Shi at the Beijing Municipal Detention Center as a “dangerous religious element.”

“During the meeting with his attorney, Shi’s talk was interrupted by the guards on several occasions and he received a warning,” according to a statement by CAA. Interrogation of Shi, the lawyer told CAA, has centered on his relationship with foreigners, especially those from the United States.

Long-time friend Ray Sharpe said that Shi’s many foreign relationships as a travel agent may have raised undue suspicions by Chinese authorities.

“They may have suspicions about his patriotism since he has so many foreign friends,” Sharpe said in a statement to supporters. “If so, they would again be wrong. I know him to be a successful travel agent because he works so hard to help all of his clients fall in love with his beloved homeland. He longs for foreigners to understand China’s culture, her history, her many proud accomplishments.”

The Beijing Public Security Bureau may have mistaken him as a “dangerous religious element” who might embarrass the government during the Olympic Games beginning in August, Sharpe said.

“I know him to be a man that has been promoting the Olympics as a time when many tourists from around the globe would be able to see China, whom he loves so dearly, at her best,” Sharpe said. “He dislikes foreigners who are critical of China, often stating that they do so out of ignorance of the tremendous strides that have already been made.”

In his statement, Sharpe also dismissed the possible perception that Shi opposes Chinese government policy.

“I know him as someone who dislikes Christians that use their faith as an excuse to oppose the government,” he said. “I know him as someone who often counsels other Christians that we ought to be the best of citizens in whatever country we live. I know him as someone who teaches others to love their country, pray for their government and obey the public officials as though they were placed over us by God.”

There is concern for Shi’s health, as he is a diabetic. CAA reported that Shi’s attorney said he was in dire need of medical attention.

“However, the detention center authorities refused to provide medications or even the most basic humanitarian treatment,” the organization said.

Shi’s wife has said she has been prohibited from bringing the 37-year-old father of two any food or change of clothing since his re-arrest.

Operating a bookstore located near the Olympic Village, Shi had never had any problems with authorities before his arrest last November, according to Sharpe.

“The PSB may have misunderstood how even casual friends from the West will be moved to action when an acquaintance seems to be suffering an injustice,” he said. “They may be wondering who could have orchestrated a world-wide effort to plead his cause. In China, not many casual acquaintances, let alone outright strangers, will get involved in a matter that concerns someone with whom they have no close relationship.”

Provided by Compass Direct News Service

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA