03/25/2019 China (International Christian Concern) – Chinese pastor John Cao was wrongfully convicted and received a seven-year sentence on “organizing illegal border crossings” in 2018. Despite his attempt to submit for an appeal, local authorities postponed his hearing for the sixth time.

His appeal hearing was due to take place on March 22, but the Pu’er Court in Yunnan province further delayed it to May 22.

Pastor Cao had devoted three years of his life for the ethnic group Wa in Myanmar’s self-governed Wa state before his 2017 arrest. He was able to establish 16 schools in the region, serving over 2,000 impoverished students. His humanitarian and missionary work, however, was punished by the Chinese government in its latest crackdown against Christianity.

In addition to his lack of exposure to sunshine, Pastor Cao’s health has deteriorated in prison. He suffers from hemorrhoids, constipation and has even lost half of a tooth, according to his lawyer Yang Hui. Yang fears that the extension of the appeal may further affect his client’s health.

Pastor Cao is also not allowed visitation from anyone but his attorneys. His American wife, two sons, and mother have not been able to see him despite multiple attempts. Any letters to him are subject to screening and are reviewed by multiple authorities.

Pastor Cao’s case has received wide attention in the U.S., with many government officials and representatives demanding China for his release. The latest effort includes a letter endorsed by more than a dozen lawmakers, including several from North Carolina (where Cao is a resident of) to President Trump on March 14. They ask the president to use his resources to secure the release of Cao.

For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected]