Asia - Monday, April 7, 2008 19:33 - 0 Comments

Chinese Activist Hu Jia Jailed for Subversion

The conviction of the advocate, Hu Jia, 34, one of the most prominent human rights proponents in China, has quickly drawn outside criticism of China. Hu Jia has become one of China’s most outspoken activists, tackling issues including religious and political freedom, HIV/Aids, and the environment.
Hu’s trial, by the Beijing No.1 Intermediate People’s Court began last month. He was formally charged in February after he made public letters and recordings from Chinese lawyer Gao Zhisheng, alleging that Gao was tortured into confessing to subversion charges

The Accusations

Hu supporter Teng Biao, a lawyer who has defended political dissidents, was released by the Chinese government last month after spending two days in custody. In September 2007, Teng and Hu wrote an open letter requesting that the international community investigate China’s promises to improve its human rights record. In November 2007, rights group Dui Hua reported that the number of political arrests in China had more than doubled in 2006 and the country has been harshly criticized in recent months for cracking down on human rights activists and political dissidents ahead of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing as well as for their actions in Tibet. Continue…