Hong Kong Catholics call for release of religious detainees

(June, 21, 2011) Catholics of Hong Kong have called for the release of all religious detainees in China. They said nothing is known about Fr Joseph Chen Hailong of Xuanhua (Hebei), two months after he disappeared. Ordained two years ago, Fr Chen was taken into custody on 9 April in Yangqing, Beijing County, where he exercised his ministry. His family does not have any information about his fate and fears he might have been tortured like Fr Peter Zhang Guangjun, who comes from the same diocese. Fr Zhang, who was held between 10 January and 13 April 2011, was tortured in prison until he collapsed. An anonymous source told AsiaNews that Fr.Zang was eventually released on 13 April. After his release, said the source, he showed injuries to the head and the legs, clear signs of torture. Now he is undergoing medical treatment for his head injuries as he still suffers from headaches and vomits.
They also mentioned four bishops who are in jail, or who have disappeared.
On 29 June, the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, a Mass will be held in Hong Kong presided over by retired Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun of Hong Kong. It will be followed by a protest rally to demand greater freedom for Catholics and the release of priests and bishops held in prison
The protest on 29 June is organized by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Hong Kong. “The date was chosen to remind everyone that the people of China are suffering because of their faith, like Saints Peter and Paul who were persecuted and jailed for their faith,” Lina Chan, executive secretary of the commission, told AsiaNews.