12/17/2019 China (International Christian Concern) – Elder Xu Yonghai, a member of the Divine Love Fellowship of the Beijing Christian House Church, was once again barred from leaving his house during Human Rights Day.

According to China Aid, in the morning of December 12, Xu was suddenly placed under house arrest and could not leave his home. Two days prior, during Human Rights Day, he predicted that there would be guards outside his door to prevent him from attending human rights activities hosted by Western embassies, so he did not head out. To his surprise, he could not leave his home at all on the 12^th.

He was supposed to meet his friend over lunch, but was told by police that he could not leave his home. He did not understand why he was barred from stepping out even after Human Rights Day. The next day, the ban was lifted and other church members were able to attend Bible study in his home.

Another member of the church, lawyer Ni Yulan also experienced the same treatment last week. She said, from December 8 to 12, there were police and police cars stationed outside of her residence. Another church member He Derpu also was watched by the police.

When she and her husband attended an event at the EU embassy on the 10^th, they were followed by plainclothes police the whole time, though they were able to enter the embassy. She said, compared to last year’s Human Rights Day, this year the surveillance has intensified.

The Divine Love Fellowship of the Beijing Christian House Church was established in 1996. Most of the members are petitioners, dissidents, and rights activists from different parts of China. During sensitive time in China, most of the members would experience heightened surveillance.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].