Chinese activist lawyer Xu Zhiyong goes on trial in Beijing
Source: Deutsche Welle
Chinese lawyer Xu Zhiyong has gone on trial in Beijing. The prominent citizens' rights advocate is accused of disrupting public order for his part in backing pro-education and anti-corruption protests.
Hundreds of police cordoned off the courthouse in the Chinese capital on Wednesday as supporters and petitioners for Xu, as well as journalists, were turned away. A group of foreign diplomats, including representatives from the European Union and United States, tried unsuccessfully to attend the proceedings.
The charges against Xu, 40, are related to his support for protests that demanded the disclosure of public officials' assets and education equality, according to a copy of the indictment posted online. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Supporters of Xu and international rights groups say the trial is the centerpiece for the Chinese government's crackdown on the New Citizens' Movement. The group, which Xu co-founded with other lawyers, is often charged with gathering crowds and disrupting public order.
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