Additional Name(s): Zhang Weizhu, 张维柱
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: China
Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: May/21/2021
Current Status: Not Released
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Unregistered Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Joseph Zhang Weizhu is detained for his religious activity.
On May 21, 2021, authorities detained Zhang, the Vatican-approved bishop of the Xinxiang Diocese in Henan, the day after security forces arrested several priests and seminarians at the Xinxiang Diocese's seminary. It is believed that Zhang was arrested for violating the revised Regulations on Religious Affairs, which require state approval of clergy.
"Zhang Weizhu" Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)
USCIRF China Factsheet October 2021
"Months after China detains Xinxiang's Bishop Zhang, Catholics seek answers" Catholic News Agency