Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has called for the immediate release of a 32-year-old pastor from Yunnan Province, who was jailed in China for “organising illegal gatherings.”

According to The Christian Post, Ma Yan was arrested on 9th August 2024, when police raided a small Christian meeting in Yinchuan’s Jinfeng District, detaining him and three others.

While some were released after seven to ten days, Ma was placed under criminal detention and later pleaded guilty in court.

Prosecutors have recommended a nine-month sentence, but the final verdict is pending, leaving his family deeply concerned about long-term consequences.

Ma became a Christian in college and later served as a house church preacher, as reported by China Aid.

His arrest is part of a wider crackdown on unregistered Christian gatherings, with authorities using surveillance and strict regulations to suppress religious activities.

In response, multiple Christian groups in China have launched prayer campaigns for Ma and his wife, Meihang.

CSW President Mervyn Thomas condemned the arrest as a violation of religious freedom, calling on Chinese authorities to drop all charges.

Meanwhile, Open Doors has warned that China's crackdown on Christianity is intensifying, as the government seeks total control over religious expression.