[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

April 9


CHINA:

UNREST RAISES FEARS OF EXECUTION OF CHRISTIAN ---- Family fears worst for
Uyghur accused of 'endangering national security.'


As China deals with the fallout of protests in Tibet and alleged protests
in neighboring Xinjiang province, the family of a Uyghur Christian fears
he may be sentenced to death this month after officials accused him of
endangering national security. Officials closed Alimjan Yimit's business
last September and accused him of using it as a cover for "preaching
Christianity among people of Uyghur ethnicity." When they detained the
former Muslim on January 12, they told his family only that the arrest was
a matter of national security. Friends said a verdict is expected by the
end of April.

Alimjan's arrest followed that of another Uyghur Christian, Osman Imin, on
November 19, 2007, accused of assisting foreigners in illegal religious
activities and revealing state secrets. Compass sources said authorities
have arrested at least one other Uyghur Christian in Urumqi, the
provincial capital, and another in the city of Kashgar, since the
beginning of the year.

(source: Compass Direct News)