[BBC] US Condemns Christian Lawyer's 'confession' on Chinese state TV

The US says a purported confession from a prominent Chinese lawyer on state television runs counter to the rule of law.

Zhang Kai admitted to various crimes including disturbing social order in a broadcast on Thursday.

He has been helping defend Christians resisting government orders to remove crosses from buildings.

China says it guarantees religious freedom but there are concerns about a crackdown on Christian activities.

On Friday a pastor was jailed for refusing to remove a cross from his church’s roof.

The authorities have justified the tearing down of crosses by saying they break planning rules.

Zhang Kai was arrested last year shortly before a planned meeting with the US envoy on religious freedoms.

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Posted in * Religion News & Commentary, Religious Freedom / Persecution