Additional Name(s): 廉长年
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: China
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: August/17/2022
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief Unregistered Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Embezzlement & Fraud Subversion
Lian Changnian is detained for his religious activity.
On August 17, 2022, police arrested Lian, who is a pastor, and two other members of the unregistered house church Church of Abundance in Xi’an city, Shaanxi province, following a reported crackdown on the church's community. Authorities reportedly accused the three of "endangering national security" and fraud.
In February 2023, it was reported that authorities transferred Lian, who had previously been held under residential surveillance at a designated location for the previous six months, to a detention center. During the period of residential surveillance, Lian was reportedly tortured.
In March 2023, Lian was criminally arrested for "fraud."
Related Cases: Lian Xuliang, Fu Juan
"Lian Changnian" Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)
"XI’AN POLICE TORTURE ANOTHER INNOCENT CHRISTIAN FOR “FRAUD” CASE" ChinaAid
"DEFENDANTS FROM XI’AN CHURCH OF ABUNDANCE CASE TORTURED DURING HOUSE ARREST" ChinaAid
"LEADERS OF XI’AN CHURCH OF ABUNDANCE TRANSFERRED TO DETENTION CENTER" ChinaAid
"WIFE OF IMPRISONED XI’AN PASTOR ADVOCATES FOR HER HUSBAND" ChinaAid
"Concerns for wellbeing of three Christian leaders detained on fraud charges since August" Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)
"Detained leaders of Church of Abundance Accused of “Violating National Security”" Bitter Winter
"Xi’an Church of Abundance: Crackdown on a Historical House Church" Bitter Winter