China: Trial of Leading Activist a Sham

Human Rights Watch

(New York, March 17, 2008) - The Chinese government has repeatedly violated the rights of prominent human rights activist Hu Jia and his trial cannot meet minimum standards of fairness, Human Rights Watch said today. The trial is due to open on the morning of March 18 in Beijing. Hu has been indicted for “incitement to subvert state power,” a crime inconsistent with freedom of expression as protected under international law, because it allows criticism of the political system to be penalized.
Hu faces up to five years in prison. His lawyers have indicated that he intended to plead not guilty and that his wife, Zeng Jinyan, who has been confined at their home since his arrest, will not be allowed to attend the hearing.  [continues...]