Christian human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who was kidnapped by state security agents in February 2009, has been released from the guarded location in Shanxi province where he was being held by authorities. Gao was recently confirmed to be alive following months of rumours that he had died at the hands of authorities.

On April 6, Gao informed ChinaAid President Bob Fu that he had returned to his apartment in Beijing. He reportedly sounded weak on the phone and said he had been recovering from a "racking cough," but did not give any further details of his health or treatment in jail.

On April 7, Gao told reporters that he will cease his legal activism in the hopes of reuniting with his wife and children, who escaped to the United States in March 2009. In response, Bob Fu stated, "Gao Zhisheng is a man of integrity and heart. Facing such enormous pressure and knowing that his family needs him, he has chosen to fulfill his duty as a father to his children, and husband to his wife." He added, "Gao Zhisheng and his family have suffered deeply from the long separation. Despite the persecution, he continues to trust the Lord." (Source: ChinaAid)