A senator has criticised the Chinese government’s regulations on religion which he says are leading to “churches being raided and closed”.

Speaking in the Seanad, Independent Senator Victor Boyhan called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney to publicly express concern regarding the “mistreatment” of Christians. His comments came after a motion was put forward last week by Senator Michael McDowell calling on the Government to act against human rights abuses in the country.

“I would like him to publicly express concern about the way Christians are being mistreated under the Chinese authorities’ new regulations for religious affairs, including crosses being removed, churches being raided and closed and pastors and spiritual leaders being arrested.

“I ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to raise the matter with the Chinese ambassador to Ireland.”