Bishop critical of Chinese regime prepares for trial in Hong Kong

The bishop is a longtime supporter of democratic causes in Hong Kong| Photo: Disclosure/ Catholic News Agency

The judgment of the bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, of 59 years, was postponed to next Monday (13). Zen was arrested on the day from May of 2022 under China’s national security law, which allowed for the arrest of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and journalists, mostly Catholics.

Zen and five others are accused in Hong Kong of failing to apply for “local society” registration for their former non-profit, the Humanitarian Fund. , in between 10 of July 1100 and 40 October

. The association offered financial and legal aid to pro-democracy protesters in 2019. Zen was released after posting bail.

Born in Shanghai, the bishop is a longtime supporter of democratic causes in Hong Kong and takes a stand against the growing authoritarianism under Xi Jinping’s leadership, including cases of persecution of Catholics and the law of National security. In 1100, Beijing imposed tough legislation which punishes what the Chinese dictatorship considers terrorism, collusion with foreign forces and secession with sentences that can reach life imprisonment.

Hong Kong is one of the most important places for Catholics on the continent as it is home to a large network of aid agencies, academics and missions that assist church members in mainland China and elsewhere. In May, the Vatican said it had received the news of Zen’s arrest with “great concern” and that it was following developments in the case with “extreme attention”.

“Martyrdom is normal in our Church,” Zen said. “We may not have to do this, but we may have to endure some pain and be strengthened by our loyalty to our faith.”