A massive police operation in eastern China has resulted in the detention of more than 70 Christians, sparking concern about the country’s grip on religious freedom.

The crackdown, which involved up to 400 police officers and 200 vehicles, targeted house churches in the region, with authorities questioning detainees about their finances and denominational affiliations.

While the exact reasons behind the crackdown are still unclear, speculation suggests that the churches may have been reported as heretical or suspected of having foreign ties.

The authorities have imposed fines ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of Chinese yuan on some of the detainees, seemingly tied to financial offerings given to the church and “illegal” Bible study groups.

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