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'Subversive' Chinese Writer Gets 9 Years in Prison

Chen Wei called for free speech, political reform

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2011 9:38 AM CST

(Newser) – A Chinese writer has been hit with a nine-year jail sentence for "inciting subversion of state power" after he posted online essays demanding free speech and government reform, reports the BBC. The sentence follows a two-hour, closed-door trial that Chen Wei's wife called "a performance" whose outcome was settled beforehand. Chen was one of hundreds detained following an online movement for Chinese protests echoing the Arab Spring, dubbed the Jasmine Revolution.

The sentence, accompanied by an additional two years in which Chen will be stripped of his political rights, is among the toughest faced in connection with the movement, the BBC notes. The writer's wife said he "did criticize the Communist Party, but that's stating the facts. That is not subversion." Chen, she said, is "a very patriotic man." At the trial, Chen reportedly said he wasn't guilty and asserted that "dictatorship will fail, democracy will prevail."

Chen Wei has been sentenced to 9 years over 'subversive' writing. (Shutterstock)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 14 comments

JamaicaJim

Dec 25, 2011 2:36 PM CST

Get this...he got all this time for saying; "Nanny-Nanny Poo Poo" to a statute of Mao....in the dark...when no one was looking......and said it in the secret language of Aramaic...backwards.....while passing gas.....under glass.....with a note from his Mom even!

Laughing__Man

Dec 24, 2011 8:05 AM CST

Chen Wei - you have my respect. I'd buy you a beer if I could. Best of luck, fellow patriot!

crafter67

Dec 23, 2011 9:28 PM CST

If your political ideology or religion is incompatible with free speech - the problem isn't with free speech.

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'Subversive' Chinese Writer Gets 9 Years in Prison

Chen Wei called for free speech, political reform

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • free speech • writer • dissidents • subversion • Chinese dissidents • Jasmine Revolution • Chen Wei

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More Newser Stories

China Jails 2nd Writer for Subversion

Chen Xi was arrested last month after publishing his essays online

Chen: China's Promises 'Just Empty Words'

Dissident recounts abuses he suffered under house arrest

Rights Groups Issue China Travel Warnings

'Freedom alerts' warn of danger to activists, journalists

China Cracks Down on Social Networking Sites

Politically sensitive material blocked after day of protests fizzles

Chen Guangcheng's Brother Flees Chinese Village

Chen Guangfu hoping to protect son from local officials

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