Prominent House Church Leader Zhang Rongliang Released Early from Prison

ZHENGZHOU, Henan, One of the most prominent house church leaders in China, Zhang Rongliang (photo), has been released from prison nine months before the end of his prison sentence and allowed to return home, ChinaAid has learned. Family members report that he is in good spirits and that, apart from serious diabetes, he is in good health. Zhang's wife and their two sons had been deeply concerned about Zhang's health in prison because of his long-standing diabetic condition, which had become so serious that he was transferred to a civilian hospital for nearly two months while he awaited trial. He was seen handcuffed to his hospital bed. Worries that he might die in prison had prompted international calls for his release. Family members said they and Zhang thank all of those in the international community who have tirelessly championed his case since his arrest. Zhang was arrested in December 2004 and sentenced to 7-1/2 years in July 2006 for "attaining a passport through cheating" and "illegal border crossing." He had travelled internationally, including to the United States, Australia, Egypt and Singapore, to attend world mission conferences. Zhang was released on Aug. 31, nine months early, and allowed to return to his home near Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan province.