Chinese Dissident Liu Xiaobo Appeals Subversion Conviction

Liu Xiaobo, the Chinese dissident recently sentenced to 11 years in prison for his pro-democracy writings, filed an appeal on Monday (Jan. 4). His attorney, Shang Baojun, says the court must rule on the appeal within six weeks.

Liu was convicted last year on December 25 on charges of “subverting state power.” Some see it as a warning from Chinese officials that dissidents will be treated harshly.

The 54-year-old university professor has been a long-time critic of Communist Party rule. He co-authored a document calling for democratic reform—known as “Charter 08.” About 10,000 people have signed the document online.

Many Western governments have criticized the Chinese regime for Liu’s detention, trial and harsh sentence.

(NTDTV)