Chinese pastor released after spending 5 months in 'black jail'

A church pastor has reportedly been released by Chinese authorities from a 'black jail' after five months of detention.

A report by China Aid has confirmed that Pastor Huang Yizi was released from prison on Friday, in the coastal region of Zhejiang. He had been imprisoned since Sept. 12, 2015.

Pastor Huang was reportedly accused of spying, stealing, and providing information such as state secrets to institutions, organizations, and people outside of China.

He was sent to what is known as a "black jail", an undisclosed detention facility where accused Christian leaders are often taken. While being held, he was not allowed to meet with anyone, including his lawyers or his family.

Pastor Gu Yuese, the leader of the second biggest recognized church in China, was also imprisoned in a "black jail" late last month. Before he was detained, Pastor Gu was dismissed from his position as senior pastor of the Chongyi Church in Zhejiang.

Pastor Gu was reportedly sent to the "black jail" after opposing the forced removal of more than a thousand public church crosses across the Zhejiang region. 

China is very meticulous in moderating and managing Christian churches across the country. Church leaders are also appointed government agencies to ensure that the church does not violate the nation's rules on religious freedom. 

China Aid is a non-profit organization that pushes for the Asian country to protect its citizens' rights to religious freedom.