Tens of millions of "house churches" continue to operate in China outside the control of the CCP. The ongoing crackdown reflects the regime’s suppression of religious communities and its demands for ideological compliance.

The church’s founder, Pastor Jin Mingri, was among the group detained. His daughter, Grace Jin, expressed concerns regarding her father's access to his lawyers and his necessary medications in detention.

The 18 who still remain in detention were charged with "illegally using information networks," which carries a prison sentence of up to three years.
www.reuters.com/world/china/...

Zion Church was an underground “house church” operating without CCP registration. A total of 30 pastors and staff were detained in October.

Today — and always — we're deeply grateful. Thanks to our supporters, HRF has provided training and resources to hundreds of activists and elevated the voices of those speaking out against tyranny around the world.

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This ruling and Lai’s ongoing detention illustrate how Hong Kong courts increasingly mirror Beijing’s political priorities, further eroding the city’s judicial independence and press freedom.

Preventing the court from examining evidence central to establishing intent and credibility undermines due process and the right to fair trial, reflecting Beijing's broader use of legal mechanisms and media tools to silence dissent.

Lai sought to submit 101 new pieces of evidence showing Ta Kung Pao’s “long-standing malicious intent.” The court rejected Lai’s bid, reasoning there was no indication of malice while blocking the very evidence needed to make that determination.
hongkongfp.com/2025/11/17/h...

"There is nothing prettier than a flower that defies death, chaos, and destruction, and instead blooms and radiates hope." - Raed Fares, 2017 @oslofreedomforum.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlWt...

Although Thailand has long cooperated with neighboring regimes to target dissidents, Hunter's case is the first known case involving a journalist. His trial is set for December 22. He faces up to two years in prison and a 200,000 THB ($6,170) fine if convicted.

The arrest and charge against Hunter underscore a troubling rise in transnational repression and the so-called “swap mart” practice in Southeast Asia, where regimes cooperate to target dissidents and activists living in exile.

Australian scholar and journalist Murray Hunter has been indicted in Thailand for criminal defamation in a case brought by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in response to his blog posts criticizing the Malaysian regime.
www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/gen...

HRF condemns the brutal attack on Ternopil. The democratic community must step up its pressure on Putin’s regime to cease its strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine.

Russian strikes in neighboring Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions targeted civilian energy infrastructure, transport hubs, and other civilian facilities. In the Kharkiv region, more than 30 people were injured as a result of the drone strikes.

Read the stories that shaped the freedom movement, and the ones still unfolding. hrf.org/latest/hrfs-...

HRF's 20 Years of Media Impact booklet is a tribute to the courage of those who stand up for democracy. Because the world still needs bold reporting, fearless voices, and a press that refuses to look away.

Through headlines, broadcasts, and op-eds, HRF has shared the courage of dissidents and exposed the crimes of dictators.