Released Church Leaders in Henan and Inner Mongolia File Lawsuit against Abusers in the Government
by Michael Ireland
April 24, 2007
MIDLAND, TEXAS (ANS) -- Three House Church leaders from Henan and Inner Mongolia filed a lawsuit against the Chinese government for abuses during their detention after both local governments rejected their application for an administrative review of their penalties. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Dong Quanqu and his wife Li Huage from Henan have filed lawsuit in the People's Court of Nanyang city demanding that Wancheng Branch of Nanyang Municipal Public Security Bureau cancel all its illegal specific acts, return the confiscated properties and compensate for the applicants' properties illegally detained, including 400 yuan of detention fees. However, the court hasn't decided whether or not to take up this case.
Zhi Ruiping from Inner Mongolia has filed her case in the People's Court of Duolun County on April 12, 2007 and that court has accepted her case and a trial will be held soon.
For the case of pastor Dong Quanyu and his wife, the reasons given by the applicants are based on the laws of the People's Republic of China.
CAA says that on March 6, 2007, the police raided the house church without presenting their proper IDs and obviously failed to comply with the legal procedure as defined in Article 37 of "Laws of Administrative Penalty of the People's Republic of China."
Their confiscation of computers, cameras, Dong Quanyu's cell phone, 30-40 boxes of Bibles and 400 yuan of cash is a violation of Article 89 of "Laws of Administrative Penalty of the People's Republic of China." Other references of the laws include Articles 96, 97, 27 of "Laws of Administrative Penalty of the People's Republic of China" and Articles 36 and 37 of "The Constitution of the People's Republic of China."
Dong Yuanqu was detained 10 days from March 6, 2007 to March 16, 2007. Li Huage was detained on March 19, 2007 on the ground the Li notified the people gathering on March 6. She was released on March 29, 2007. So far, the properties confiscated have not been returned.
For the case of sister Zhi Ruiping, her requests in her application are: repeal the Penalty Decision Gong (Guo) Jue Zi No. 3 of Duolun County according to law; rule that the defendant pay one yuan in the form of state compensation according to law, and rule that the defendant pay the litigation expenses for this case
Zhi Ruiping was arrested on December 29, 2006 by Duolun County Public Security Bureau on the ground that she organized a Christmas celebration without registration. She was given a penalty of 15 days of detention and was released on January 13, 2007.
CAA has been supporting both cases in legal and financial aid.
© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission.
