and has returned to his home in Beijing, amid international pressure, a religious rights watchdog said Thursday October 30.
In a statement send to BosNewsLife the well informed Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), which supports persecuted Christians, said it has learned from Xiao’s wife, Gou Qinghui, that "he was not beaten or physically abused during his incarceration."
VOM sources, who were not identified, credited Xiao’s release directly to publicity as well as prayers and protests of Christians around the world. Xiao reported that police asked him, "How did you get your story on the internet?" ANS was among the media outlets that closely covered the case.
Police reportedly couldn’t find a link to prove that Xiao was involved in activities that "subverted the Chinese government and socialist system," a charge that could carry long prison terms and possible a death sentence.
PRAYERS AND SUPPORT
"Xiao expressed his gratitude for the prayers and support of Christian brothers and sisters around the world," VOM said.
"This is proof positive that Christians around the world CAN make a difference with their prayers and their phone calls and letters to the Chinese embassy," added VOM Spokesman Todd Nettleton.
"We are so pleased to see the Chinese government show respect for justice in this case, and we thank God that Brother Xiao has been reunited with his wife and four-year-old son."
However Mr. Zhang Yi-nan, who was arrested with Xiao on September 26, is still being held, in the notorious Detention Center of Lushan County in Henan Province and is still facing subversion charges. His wife Ding Guizhen, was released earlier this month after "15 days of so-called Administrative Detention."
FAITH CRITICIZED
VOM said has learned from the Public Security Bureau, the Chinese secret service and security agency, that, "Zhang doesn’t have a criminal problem, he has a mind problem, he is too superstitious," in an apparent reference to his faith in Christ.
"We encourage Christians to continue their calls, faxes and letters to the Chinese embassy on behalf of Brother Zhang as well as brother Liu Feng-gang," said Nettleton. "We know this can work, and we ask the Chinese government to release these innocent men immediately."
