Chinese Activist Huang Qi Awaiting Court Ruling

The three-hour secret trial of Chinese activist Huang Qi ended on Wednesday with no immediately ruling.

Huang was arrested after assisting parents of children killed by last year’s Sichuan earthquake—and criticizing how the Chinese regime handled the disaster. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of “illegally possessing state secrets” at a court in Chengdu.

Huang’s lawyer Mo Shaoping told Radio Free Asia that the prosecution repeatedly violated court procedures. For example, they interrupted Huang during his oral statement, and denied his request to remain seated due to his ill health. The court also forbade Mo from calling any witnesses to defend Huang.

Huang’s wife told the Associated Press that dozens of his relatives and supporters tried to attend the hearing, but police barred them from entering.

The court says Huang’s verdict will be announced at a later time. If convicted, he would face up to three years in prison.

(NTDTV)