BEIJING
A global human rights organisation has criticised the detention of two Protestant church leaders in China, saying the move reflects a wider crackdown on religious freedom in the country. Amnesty International called for the immediate release of the detained leaders and urged Chinese authorities to stop actions targeting religious groups. The organisation said no one should be arrested simply for their religious beliefs.
According to reports, a Protestant church in Sichuan province was raided by armed police during a Sunday service. The church said more than 30 worshippers were taken away for questioning, while two of its leaders remain in detention. Videos and photos shared by church sources reportedly showed security forces surrounding members of the congregation during the operation.
Amnesty International said the incident is part of a growing pattern of restrictions on independent religious activity in China. It claimed that authorities have increased surveillance, carried out raids, and launched prosecutions under laws related to security and anti-cult regulations. The organisation also pointed to previous cases involving the Early Rain Covenant Church, whose leader was imprisoned in 2019, as an example of continued pressure on Christian groups.
It further noted that new government rules introduced in 2025 have tightened control over religious personnel, including their online activities and public expression of faith. Another nationwide operation in 2025 reportedly targeted members of an unofficial church network, leading to multiple arrests on charges related to illegal use of information systems. Amnesty International said such actions violate international protections for freedom of religion and belief, which include the right to worship and practice faith individually or in groups, in public or private settings.
