In the past 12 years, a Xinjiang resident has faced harassment and torture for his belief.
In August, authorities picked up Lin Hai (pseudonym) from him home in Xinjiang’s Bole city. A believer of The Church of Almighty God, it was his third arrest in 12 years.
He was taken to the local Public Security Bureau and questioned about his religious belief. The officers conducting his interrogation were not satisfied with his responses and so threatened him saying, “If you are not honest with us, today is the day you die.” They put their torture devices in front of him to intimidate him into submission.
When Mr. Lin did not relent, a police officer beat him with a stun baton, sending a wave of electric shocks all over his body. His arms and legs were stomped upon and pulled at. Guards took turns in not allowing him to sleep. By 6 am the next morning, he couldn’t keep his eyes open, and as soon as he closed them, he was given electric shocks. He passed out immediately as a result.
He has since been released but is still monitored 24 hours a day. He is not allowed to leave the town and is expected to show up every time he is summoned.
Mr. Lin has been living this nightmare since 2006 when he was first arrested for his religious belief. The next time, he was detained for four days in 2012 and fined 10,000 RMB or 1,500 USD approximately. Throughout these years, he has repeatedly been beaten and questioned because of his religious belief.
Reported by Li Zaili
Uses a pseudonym for security reasons.
