China trials show danger of dissent

by BBC World News
August 25, 2006

Several recent trials in China have highlighted the dangers of dissent, in what appears to be a growing clampdown, writes the BBC's Dan Griffiths in Beijing.

In just a few days China's leaders have shown once again that they will not tolerate dissent on issues they consider sensitive or embarrassing.

Earlier in the week blind human rights activist Chen Guangcheng was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.

The self-taught lawyer was well known in China for his outspoken campaigns to help poor rural farmers and the disabled.

But he gained international attention when he publicised claims that Chinese officials in the eastern province of Shandong were enforcing late-term abortions and sterilisations - in an attempt to control population growth.

That angered the Chinese authorities and Mr Chen was arrested and charged with destroying public property and disturbing social order. His supporters have always claimed the charges were fabricated.

Other Chinese rights activists who have campaigned for Mr Chen's release have been put under house arrest in Beijing, deported from there to distant cities, or gone into hiding.

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