BERLIN: Germany yesterday blasted a ruling by a Chinese court to uphold an 11-year prison sentence handed to the brother-in-law of jailed Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo.
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman said she had followed the case of Liu Hui closely and was “disappointed by this extraordinarily tough sentence” which was confirmed Friday.
“We expect a minimum of respect for the rule of law and transparency from an important partner like China that has seen impressive development,” the spokesman, Steffen Seibert, told reporters.
“There are unfortunately clear signs that the trial against Liu Hui is part of sweeping state pressure against the family of Liu Xiaobo.”
He said German and other foreign diplomats who had been observing the proceedings had been barred from the courtroom during Friday’s hearing.
“We have a different idea of a diplomatic partnership,” Seibert said.
“The chancellor once again urges the Chinese government to release all people who are being held in prison for the peaceful exercise of their constitutional right to free expression.”
Police had detained Liu Hui in January on suspicion of committing fraud in connection with a real-estate deal.
Liu Xiaobo, a political activist, was jailed for 11 years in 2009 for “subversion”. But Merkel has repeatedly criticised China’s rights record and recent trade disputes have strained relations.
AFP
