Bulletin on the Progress of the Shenyang Celtic Church Case (April 5, 2026)
(Rights Defense Network Information Center report)On April 5, 2026,this website learned of the latest developments in the Shenyang Celtic Church case,and hereby issues the following bulletin:
The Shenyang Celtic Church case occurred on June 28, 2025。Pastor Qu Hongbo、Brother Shao Huaxuan、Brother Wang Xiangchao and Sister Liu Xueyun, among others, have been detained to date on suspicion of “the crime of organizing、using a cult organization to undermine the implementation of the law”。
The procuratorate’s sentencing recommendations are as follows:Pastor Qu Hongbo: four years and six months’ imprisonment,and a fine of 50,000。The other three: three years’ imprisonment,and a fine of 30,000。The court will hold a pretrial conference in this case on April 7, 2026。
This website will continue to follow developments in the Shenyang Celtic Church case。
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