'Confession' of Christian Lawyer Jailed in China Raises Eyebrows

Chinese media recently aired footage of an imprisoned Christian lawyer that depicts him confessing to disturbing social order and endangering state security.

Thursday's disturbing media release marks the six-month anniversary of Chinese human rights lawyer Zhang Kai's imprisonment.

Zhang is a renowned attorney who is dedicated to protecting religious liberties and resisting the communist government's relentless persecution of Chinese Christians.

He tread dangerous political territory by actively fighting the government's devastating campaign to demolish church crosses all over China. 

Zhang and his assistant were apprehended by police August 25, 2015 while he was working to defend local Wenzhou churches against the cross demolitions.

Dr. Fenggang Yang, founder of Purdue's Center on Religion and Chinese Society, released a statement regarding Zhang's confession.

"Zhang Kai is a friend of mine…He was one of the most courageous lawyers in defending Christian churches in Wenzhou," Yang said.

"It is apparent that all Zhang Kai did was providing legal counsel to the willing churches, encouraging their leaders to use the existing law and regulations to defend their own rights," he added.

China Aid reported Zhang was placed under "residential surveillance at a designated location," also known as a "black jail."

They also reported that Zhang endured complete isolation from family and friends. Chinese officials also denied him any legal representation. The taped confession that aired Thursday was the first time anyone had seen the lawyer since his forced imprisonment six months ago.

Some speculate the time of Zhang's taped confession is suspicious because it marked the end of his six-month holding period when authorities must either release or officially charge him.

The timing raises the possibility that the human rights lawyer was coerced into participating in his televised confession.

Zhang is still in police custody and there is no word if he will be officially charged or released.