China activist formally arrested

By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

A prominent Chinese activist has been formally arrested more than a month after being taken into custody.

Hu Jia, who publicises human rights abuses across China, has been accused of inciting subversion of state power. Campaigners say his arrest shows that China is not keeping its promise to improve human rights ahead of this year’s Beijing Olympic Games. But the government says China is a country ruled by laws, and Hu Jia will be dealt with according to the law. [continues...]

Hu Jia Formally Arrested: Authorities Impervious To International Protest

China must be held accountable for its Olympic pledge “to improve human rights” - CHRD

(Chinese Human Rights Defenders, January 31, 2008)– Hu Jia (胡佳 or 胡嘉), the Beijing-based human rights defender detained since December 27, 2007, was formally arrested and charged with “inciting subversion of state power” (the crime for which he was originally detained) by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB) on January 28, 2008. Hu’s family was notified on January 29. Hu may face trial and receive a harsh sentence.[continues...]