An 83-year-old former engineer recounts to Bitter Winter his ordeal petitioning for rightful retirement benefits: brutally beaten and locked in a mental hospital.
Han Sheng
Church “Facelifted” in Preparation for an Inspection
Three-Self churches ordered to change extensively, replacing religious symbols with communist paraphernalia. If the Party is not satisfied, they risk being closed.
Students Reading Religious Books Face Investigations
Colleges and universities in Henan Province introduce new restrictions on the procurement and management of religious materials in their libraries.
Henan Expands Control over Christian Churches
A recently issued document calls for the closure, repurposing, and strict supervision of religious venues, exerting personal responsibility on officials in charge.
Worshiping the Hidden Buddha
After an ancient temple was repurposed for an activity center, believers continue their religious practices in secret, without seeing the statues of deities.
Arrested for Using Chinese Character Deemed Dangerous
In China, where freedom is not free, decorating one’s own home or having a “sensitive” social media username is a license to be arrested or even sent to jail.
Han Sheng
Uses a pseudonym for security reasons.