Chinese authorities have already released a prominent Christian human rights lawyer who was detained for actively defending churches facing a cross-demolition problem.

Zhang Kai is a human rights lawyer who was detained August 25, 2016 for ‘criminal acts,’ with police explaining that he was a ‘mastermind’ behind alleged multiple ‘illegal religious gatherings,’ reports the South China Morning Post. He was detained before he could have a meeting with U.S. Ambassador for Religious Freedom David Saperstein.

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After spending almost seven months or staying detained in a ‘black jail,’ a place where the location remains undisclosed, Zhang was able to return to his home in Inner Mongolia. The news of his safe return was made known through a social media post, and confirmed by his family, reports Texas-based non-profit organization China Aid in their website.

“I have already safely arrived home in Inner Mongolia,” said Zhang in his social media post. “I am thankful for all friends who were concerned about me during this time and who looked after and comforted my family members.”

Bob Fu, a close friend of Zhang, told media that details regarding the release are still unknown. He added that Zhang is a bold human rights lawyer who actively defends religious freedom.

Fu, founder of China Aid, also called out for the release of other religious leaders, human rights lawyers and defenders.

Reports say that Zhang’s ‘criminal acts’ included actively defending and standing for the rights of approximately 100 churches facing a cross-demolition campaign in Zhejiang, a coastal province in China. Reports say that authorities in the eastern province have demolished churches and stripped crosses off church exteriors.

Zhang reportedly appeared on state television to confess his ‘crimes,’ but many believe that he was merely forced or coerced to do so. Authorities also charged him of ‘endangering state secrets’ and gathering crowds that disturb the public.

TagsZhang Kai, Bob Fu, Zhejiang, Inner Mongolia, Christian