Additional Name(s): Qin Defu
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: China
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 4 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: December/10/2018
Date of Sentencing: November/29/2019
Date of Release: December/9/2022
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Unregistered Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Illegal Business Activity
Tan Defu was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
On December 10, 2018, public security officials in Chengdu municipality, Sichuan province, detained Tan, an elder of the unregistered Protestant house church Early Rain Covenant Church, alongside other church members.
On November 29, 2019, the Qingyang District People's Court in Chengdu sentenced Tan to four years in prison for "illegal business activity." During the trial, Tan reportedly shouted "Religious belief is not a crime."
On December 9, 2022, Tan was reportedly released from prison after completing his sentence.
"China Early Rain Church elder released from prison after completing sentence" Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)
"Tan Defu" Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)