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18 November 2009


Chinese authorities relase Uyghur Christian leader, Osman Imin, from prison following international outcry

Uyghur Christian leader, Osman Imin, in China's troubled Xinjiang region has been released after serving two years in a labour camp for alleged 'illegal proselytizing' and 'leaking state secrets'. After an Open Doors advocacy campaign calling upon UK Christians to send letters to the Chinese Ambassador in London, Osman, a house church leader was freed last week on 18th November.

Authorities had called for a 10-15 year prison sentence for Osman but significantly reduced the term following international media attention. An outspoken leader of the Uyghur church in the north western region of China, Osman was first arrested in 2004 and kept at a detention centre in Hotan, southern Xinjiang. Local sources said his arrest was almost certainly related to his church work. Authorities eventually moved him to a labour camp outside Kashgar. While in prison Osman was forced to work 12 to 15 hours a day and his health quickly deteriorated. He was reportedly suffering malnutrition throughout his confinement. Osman and his wife Nurgul have two young daughters.

Still in arbitrary detention in the region is another Uyghur Christian, Alimjan Yimit. Officials initially closed the foreign-owned business Alimjan worked for in September 2007 and accused him of using it as a cover for 'preaching Christianity'. In January 2008 Alimjan was detained on charges of endangering state security and was formally arrested on 20th February 2008 on charges of 'inciting secession' and leaking state secrets.

Notes to Editors:

Founded in 1955, Open Doors is an international charity serving persecuted Christians in over 50 countries around the world. Its work involves:

  • Raising awareness of persecuted Christians, seeking to mobilise the church in the UK to pray and support their Christian family overseas.
  • Strengthening the faith of Christians behind closed borders through printing and delivering Bibles, Christian literature and teaching/training materials
  • Befriending and caring for persecuted Christians by visiting them, writing letters and praying for them
  • Enabling believers at risk to earn a living by providing livelihood and literacy training and socio economic assistance
  • Advocating on behalf of persecuted Christians, seeking to influence those with political power on their behalf.