08/21/2019 China (International Christian Concern) – On August 19, the mother of imprisoned pastor John Cao confirmed that her son has moved from Menglian detention center to a prison in Yunnan province’s capital city, Kunming.
His transfer came after the Chinese government announced its decision to uphold his seven-year prison sentence for “organizing illegal border crossings” last month.
The Chinese pastor, known for his work among Myanmar’s underprivileged communities in Wa state, was arrested and charged with “organizing illegal crossings of national borders” in 2017. Many believe that he was targeted for his Christian faith.
His mother and sister were only able to visit him for the first time on July 25, after he has been incarcerated for more than two years. Pastor Cao comforted them and told them that the government’s latest decision was as expected. He however filed an application to be moved to a prison in Kunming, for it would be easier for his 82-year-old mother who lives 800 miles away to visit him.
Bob Fu from the persecution watchdog China Aid shared the prison’s address on his Twitter, inviting people to write letters to encourage Cao. The address is: No. 416 Si Wa Lu, Wang Da Qiao, Dongjiao, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan province, China. Zip code: 650216. Cao’s name should be addressed as John Sanqiang Cao.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator:press@persecution.org.
