More than a year after China’s crackdown on Beijing’s Zion Church, eight pastors and church workers remain behind bars without a trial date. Their case has taken another controversial turn, with prosecutors requesting further investigation and relatives formally accusing judicial officials of misconduct.
The latest complaint, filed on November 9, follows another postponement in October. Meanwhile, new testimony from inside detention has raised further concerns about the prisoners’ health and treatment.
Families accuse Chinese prosecutors of misconduct
On November 9, Ren Zhong, husband of detained pastor Wang Cong, filed a complaint with authorities in Beihai, Guangxi, accusing prosecutors of abusing their powers and violating legal procedures.
The complaint, submitted with the involvement of lawyer Wen Donghai, questions how prosecutors handled the evidence against the eight defendants.
According to the church, prosecutors reviewed 331 volumes of case files and extensive electronic evidence in approximately one month before bringing charges. The complaint alleges that they failed to examine the evidence thoroughly or adequately consider defense arguments.
The controversy deepened when prosecutors subsequently requested additional investigation, despite having already brought the case to court.
The allegations have not been independently established, and no official response to the November 9 complaint has been confirmed.
Zion 8 trial postponed again in October
On November 3, Zion Church announced that those involved in the case had received another postponement decision from the Yinhai District People’s Court, dated October 22.
The postponement followed a request from prosecutors to conduct additional investigation. The case had already suffered a significant delay in August. Hearings originally scheduled for August 14–18 were postponed after defense lawyers complained about insufficient time to review hundreds of case files.
The latest development raises questions about why prosecutors sought further evidence after formally indicting the defendants. Chinese law permits additional investigation during criminal proceedings. However, the families argue that repeated delays have prolonged detention without resolving fundamental questions about the charges.
As of November 10, no new trial date or verdict has been confirmed.
Detained pastor describes overcrowding and poor medical care
Concerns about detention conditions have also intensified. In a letter dated October 22, Pastor Wang Lin described overcrowding, inadequate medical treatment and psychological distress at Beihai’s Second Detention Center. He reported that 30 to 40 prisoners share a sleeping platform measuring approximately 40 square meters. Meals reportedly consist mainly of boiled vegetables, with limited additional food.
Wang also described insect infestations, extremely loud daily announcements and difficulties obtaining treatment for chronic illnesses. He reported the death of another detainee following a sudden illness in October, although the circumstances have not been independently verified. Wang’s account adds to earlier allegations from families concerning malnutrition, weight loss and harsh detention conditions.
International pressure grows after one year
On September 21, human rights organization Fortify Rights called for the immediate release of all eight detainees and the dismissal of charges against nine other Zion Church members who remain on bail.
Meanwhile, the church’s founder, Pastor Ezra Jin, continues campaigning for his detained colleagues following his release in July.
On October 9, the Lantos Foundation announced that Jin would receive its 2026 Human Rights Prize in Washington on December 10, recognizing his advocacy for religious freedom.
His release followed diplomatic intervention involving US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, his eight colleagues remain imprisoned.
Church donations remain at the center of the case
The eight defendants face fraud and illegal-business charges connected to religious donations and online Christian education. Zion Church maintains that voluntary donations and religious instruction should not constitute criminal offenses.
The case reflects wider concerns about China’s treatment of independent Protestant congregations, which operate outside the government-controlled religious system.
