Update on the Zion Church Case: 9 Released on Bail Pending Trial, 9 Still Detained

(Rights Defense Network Information Center report) On June 19, 2026, this outlet learned from the June 19, 2026 prayer letter issued by the Zion Church pastoral team, elders, church affairs committee, and families:

On June 18, 2026, 9 people were released on bail pending trial. They are: Sun Cong, Liu Jiang, Li Shengjuan, Wei Yunfei, An Mei, Zhan Ge, Hu Yanzi, Mei Liming, and Zhu Mingli. At present, 9 people remain detained. They are: Jin Mingri, Wang Lin, Gao Yingjia, Yin Huibin, Liu Zhenbin, Lin Shucheng, Wang Cong, Wang Zhong, and Wu Qiuyu.

The church disclosed that on November 18, 2025, the Yinhai Branch of the Beihai Public Security Bureau formally arrested 18 pastors and church workers of Zion Church on suspicion of the crime of “illegally using information networks.” As of June 18, 2026, the public security authorities’ criminal investigation, after three previous extensions, had reached the maximum seven-month period of investigative detention for major cases.

The authorities have now changed the charges in the case from “illegally using information networks” to “illegal business operations” and “fraud.” The final charges brought against specific individuals remain to be further verified and confirmed by their lawyers after reviewing the procuratorate’s case files.

Zion Church called on the procuratorial authorities to respect the facts, lawfully withdraw the unsubstantiated charges of “illegal business operations” and “fraud” against Pastor Jin Mingri and the other eight church leaders, decide not to prosecute them, and immediately release all those detained, thereby upholding the judicial duties of objectivity, impartiality, punishing evil, and promoting good, and safeguarding citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of religious belief.

This outlet will continue to follow developments in the Zion Church case.