Human rights activist Hu Jia to be tried on 18 March on subversion charge

RSF

Reporters Without Borders today urged the international community to keep up the pressure on behalf of human rights activist Hu Jia, who is to be tried on 18 March 2008 on a charge of “inciting subversion of state authority”. The organisation reiterates its call for his immediate and unconditional release.

“The authorities have scheduled Hu’s trial for 18 March although no guarantees of fairness or transparency have been given,” the press freedom organisation said. “The recent arrest of one of his friends, lawyer Teng Biao, is an especially disturbing sign. Diplomats and journalists must insist on being free to attend the hearings.”[continues...]