In Beijing, China, 38-year-old Shi Weihan, owner of a Christian bookstore, was convicted of "illegal business" on June 10, 2009, sentenced to three years in prison and fined approximately $116,000.
According to sources, Shi's store operates legally. Only books authorized by the government are sold. His company printed Bibles and Christian literature without permission, but only for free distribution to local house churches.
Shi had been released on 04.01.08 due to insufficient evidence for the same vague charge of "illegal activity". He was imprisoned again on 19.03.08 without charge, was almost completely isolated and had few visits from family and lawyer, which is illegal. The judge seems to have counted the time served from 28.11.07 when he was arrested the first time, because he is released 27.11.10.