Feb 11, 2022

Several Western governments joined the U.S. in diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics amid the outcry over China’s human rights and religious freedom abuses. Nevertheless, the lack of international solidarity on this issue is apparent. The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has been noticeably muted on the issue. Several U.S. companies like Coca-Cola, Airbnb, Visa, and Procter & Gamble that are major sponsors of the Winter Games have refused to acknowledge the atrocities against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang.

In today’s conversation, we explore the disconnect between the severity of China’s human rights and religious freedom abuses, and the international action to address them. We are joined by USCIRF Vice Chair Nury Turkel and Naomi Kikoler, Director of the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Additional Name(s): 张少杰

Gender: Male

Current Location: Henan No. 2 Prison

Perpetrator: China

Ethnic Group: Han

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Health Concerns: High blood pressure

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 12 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: November/16/2013

Date of Sentencing: July/4/2014

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Embezzlement & Fraud Illegal Assembly Unlawful Disobedience

Zhang Shaojie

Extra Bio Info:

Zhang Shaojie is imprisoned for his religious activity and religious leadership role.

On November 16, 2013, public security officers in Nanle county, Puyang municipality, Henan province, detained Zhang, a pastor of the Nanle Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) Church, following a series of land disputes with local authorities. 

On November 23, 2013, Zhang was formally charged with "obstruction of official business" and "gathering a crowd to disrupt social order," a reference to his congregation. The former charge was later changed to "fraud."

On July 4, 2014, the Nanle County People's Court sentenced Zhang to 12 years in prison. There are reports that Zhang's trial was filled with procedural violations, including attempts to deny him access to counsel. 

On August 21, 2014, the Puyang Municipal Intermediate People’s Court rejected Zhang’s appeal.

In November 2019, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) raised Zhang's case in a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. In the letter, the congressmen mentioned reports that Zhang was being mistreated in prison, including being deprived of sleep and food. 

In December 2019, it was reported that Zhang was experiencing mental health issues after being put on a new high blood pressure medication.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, Ret.) advocated for Zhang as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission's Defending Freedoms Project. 

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Additional Name(s): Mehri, سکینه بهجتی

Gender: Female

Current Location: Lakan Prison, Rasht

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 2 Years' Imprisonment

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Practicing Religion as a Convert Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Sakineh Behjati

Extra Bio Info:

Sakineh Behjati is imprisoned for practicing her faith as a convert.

On May 14, 2020, authorities took Behjati, a member of the Church of Iran, into custody after being unable to pay bail. Previously, in February 2020, security forces reportedly raided a home Behjati was at, confiscated personal belongings and documents, and ordered her and her colleagues to appear for court.

On May 20, 2020, Behjati was released after paying a reduced bail.

In August 2020, Behjati was reportedly sentenced to two years in prison. Article 18 describes the charges as “acting against national security” and “spreading Zionist Christianity.”

In September 2020, Behjati's appeal was rejected.

On February 8, 2022, it was reported that Behjati had been summoned to begin serving her sentence.

In April 2022, it was reported that Behjati was sent to Lakan Prison in Rasht to serve her sentence.

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