Human rights lawyer Li Baiguang with former U.S. President George W. Bush.
Photo: ChinaAid
Well-known Chinese Christian human rights lawyer Li Baiguang died in a military hospital on February 26th, despite being in good health just days before. There are concerns that the authorities were involved in his death. Li was taken to the hospital with minor stomach pains and within hours declared dead. The hospital alleges that he had severe liver problems and bled to death, even though he had no previous indications of health problems.
In recent months, Li has faced increased threats and harassment from authorities because of his work defending the rights of those being oppressed by the government. Only weeks before, he had been in Washington, D.C., to attend the National Prayer Breakfast as part of a delegation of Chinese human rights activists.
Dr. Li's death has left a significant hole in the efforts to defend the rights of Chinese citizens. But there is an even larger gap in the lives of his wife, Xu Hanmei, and son, Li Qingxin. His close friend and colleague, Bob Fu from ChinaAid, wrote: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of China's most courageous pro-constitution lawyers." For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in China, as well as accounts of cases involving Dr. Li, visit our China Country Report.
Please pray for those mourning the loss of their friend, co-worker, and family member. Especially remember Li's wife and son in the days to come. Also pray for the churches in China that are reaching out with the Gospel of Christ despite the hardships they face.
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