Christian Leader in Xinjiang Province Arrested

KASHI, Xinjiang (Christian Newswire) -- China Aid Association learned that a House Church leader in Kashi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was secretly detained on January 12. According to an eyewitness, Mr. A Li Mu Jiang was taken away from his home by State Security Bureau agents for an accused "national security issue." His wife was also taken from her home for interrogation in the evening of the same day.

Government officials continue to persecute House Church members and Christians in Xinjiang Province, as was the case in December of 2007, in which a Christian employee of Xinjiang Pacific Agricultural Resources Development Company, Ltd, was detained and sentenced to 2-3 years reeducation through labor, for allegedly revealing State secrets. The charges were a cover however, as the real reason for his arrest stemmed from his association with the owner of the company, an American and outspoken Christian.

More details concerning the detention of Mr. A Li Mu Jiang and his wife will be released soon.