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Dec 25, 2009
Dissident jailed 11 years
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Liu, a writer who was jailed over the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests, was tried on Wednesday for 'inciting subversion of state power' after co-authoring a bold call for political reform last year. -- PHOTO: AFP
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BEIJING - A BEIJING court on Friday sentenced leading dissident Liu Xiaobo to 11 years in prison for subversion, prompting the United States to accuse China of persecuting its political opponents. The 53-year-old Liu, a writer who was jailed over the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests, was tried on Wednesday for 'inciting subversion of state power' after co-authoring a bold call for political reform last year. He co-wrote Charter 08, which calls for human rights protection and the reform of China's one-party communist system. It has been signed by more than 10,000 people, according to China Human Rights Defenders, an activist network. One of his lawyers, Ding Xikui, told AFP he was unsure whether Liu - who has already been detained for a year - would appeal. He had faced a maximum prison term of 15 years.
The case has generated concern in the West over China's human rights record, especially in the United States, which urged Beijing to 'respect the rights of all Chinese citizens to peacefully express their political views'. 'We continue to call on the government of China to release him immediately,' US embassy official Gregory May told reporters outside the courthouse following sentencing. 'Persecution of individuals for the peaceful expression of political views is inconsistent with internationally recognised norms of human rights,' May said. 'Mr Liu has peacefully worked for the establishment of democratic processes in China.' The European Union has also previously called for Liu to be freed without condition. Police presence at the courthouse was stepped up Friday, with only the press pack milling around outside the building. No supporters of Liu were seen. -- AFP
Home > Breaking News > Asia > Story
Dec 25, 2009
Dissident jailed 11 years
<!-- end left side bar -->
Liu, a writer who was jailed over the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests, was tried on Wednesday for 'inciting subversion of state power' after co-authoring a bold call for political reform last year. -- PHOTO: AFP
<!-- story content : start -->
BEIJING - A BEIJING court on Friday sentenced leading dissident Liu Xiaobo to 11 years in prison for subversion, prompting the United States to accuse China of persecuting its political opponents. The 53-year-old Liu, a writer who was jailed over the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests, was tried on Wednesday for 'inciting subversion of state power' after co-authoring a bold call for political reform last year. He co-wrote Charter 08, which calls for human rights protection and the reform of China's one-party communist system. It has been signed by more than 10,000 people, according to China Human Rights Defenders, an activist network. One of his lawyers, Ding Xikui, told AFP he was unsure whether Liu - who has already been detained for a year - would appeal. He had faced a maximum prison term of 15 years.
The case has generated concern in the West over China's human rights record, especially in the United States, which urged Beijing to 'respect the rights of all Chinese citizens to peacefully express their political views'. 'We continue to call on the government of China to release him immediately,' US embassy official Gregory May told reporters outside the courthouse following sentencing. 'Persecution of individuals for the peaceful expression of political views is inconsistent with internationally recognised norms of human rights,' May said. 'Mr Liu has peacefully worked for the establishment of democratic processes in China.' The European Union has also previously called for Liu to be freed without condition. Police presence at the courthouse was stepped up Friday, with only the press pack milling around outside the building. No supporters of Liu were seen. -- AFP
