Liu Xiaobo Appeal Rejected

One of China's most well-known dissidents, Liu Xiaobo, attended his appeal hearing at the Beijing Municipal High Court today, February 11, 2010. According to Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), Liu's 11 year prison sentence was upheld. The appeal hearing was about ten minutes long, during which time the judge read a prepared statement. Liu's lawyers, though in attendance, were not allowed to speak. According to the CHRD report, Liu stated "I am not guilty!" after the decision was announced. Several other dissidents were placed under house arrest on February 10 and 11 to prevent them from attending the hearing. 

Liu's wife, who also attended the trial, was able to meet with Liu for twenty minutes following the trial. She reports that he will be held in Beijing at least through the upcoming Spring Festival, but Liu thinks he may be transferred to a prison near his hometown of Dalian following the holiday.