Founder of China's Zion Church Jin Mingri released from prison

Beijing authorities released Liu Zhen, the founder of the underground Zion Church, on Tuesday after he had been detained for more than two years on charges of “illegal religious activities.” Liu, who established the house‑church network in the early 2000s, was first taken into custody in 2021 amid a broader crackdown on unregistered Christian groups. Human‑rights organizations and diplomatic missions had repeatedly called for his release, citing concerns over due‑process violations and the suppression of religious freedom in China.

The timing of Liu’s release follows a direct appeal made by former U.S. President Donald Trump to Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month. In a phone call, Trump urged Xi to intervene on Liu’s behalf, emphasizing the case’s symbolic importance for religious liberty and U.S.–China relations. Chinese officials did not comment on the conversation, but a statement from the Ministry of Public Security indicated that Liu’s case had been “re‑examined” and that he was being “released in accordance with the law.” Liu’s freedom marks a rare instance of a high‑profile religious detainee being freed after international diplomatic pressure.