BEIJING (AP) - The imprisoned founder of an unofficial Chinese Christian church is bedridden and in failing health after being beaten and mistreated, a human rights group said Wednesday.
Friends and relatives of Gong Shengliang, who was convicted on charges of rape and assault and is serving a life sentence, say he is passing blood and has lost his hearing, said the New York-based Human Rights in China.
Supporters say Gong is "near death as a result of abusive treatment," the group said in a statement, citing what it said was a letter signed by 34 of his friends and relatives. It said Gong was beaten for professing his faith, refusing to admit guilt and requesting an appeal of his conviction.
China's Justice Ministry did not immediately respond to requests by telephone and fax for comment.
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Paul Fountain | 1/30/2009
