CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-045937
Zhang Chunlei
Born
Unknown
Occupation
Unknown
Role
Religious Figure
Record ID
CNHRA-P-045937
Biography
Zhang Chunlei is co-founder and elder of Guiyang’s Ren’ai Reformed Church, an unregistered house church.[1]
ChinaAid reports continued worship in other locations after closure of Ren’ai’s meeting place in 2018 and Zhang’s participation in statements on religious policy.[1]
ChinaAid reports recovery of 14,400 yuan, a 5,000-yuan fine and handling of devices and church financial material. The church disputes fraud, citing voluntary donations.[1]
In March 2021 he went to inquire after members were taken from Bible study and was himself detained. ChinaAid connects later fraud and subversion charges with offerings and independent church activity; believers and relatives disputed that voluntary donations constituted fraud.[1]
Case Summary
ChinaAid records a November 2022 hearing and July 24, 2024 judgment: three and a half years for inciting subversion and two for fraud, combined into five, with financial measures.[1]
Reporting describes Yang Aiqing’s admission to sentencing while other believers were blocked. Relatives and believers raised objections over access and transparency.[1][2]
The appeal ruling was dated October 25, 2024 and the family learned of it in December. ChinaAid’s March 18, 2026 report records release on March 16.[2][3]
Timeline
2021-03
Detained after visiting a police station
ChinaAid recounts Zhang’s custody after he went to inquire about detained Bible-study participants. Later allegations concerned offerings and church activity.[1]
2024-07-24
Combined five-year sentence imposed
Guiyang’s intermediate court imposed three and a half years for inciting subversion and two for fraud, combined into five, with financial measures. ChinaAid reported it on July 29.[1]
2024-10-25
Reported date of appeal ruling
ChinaAid dates the appellate ruling to this day and reports that the family learned in December that the sentence stood.[2]
2026-03-16
Release reported after sentence completion
ChinaAid’s March 18 report records release on March 16 after five years.[3]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-471296ChinaAid
Evidence location: Body: 2021 custody, 2022 trial and combined five-year term on July 24, 2024.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-618916ChinaAid
Evidence location: Opening: ruling dated October 25; family learned on December 8.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-288463ChinaAid
Evidence location: Opening: actual release on March 16, 2026; subsequent Ren’ai church background.