Statement by the Spokesperson on the verdicts of Wu Gan and Xie Yang in China

The convictions of Chinese human rights lawyer Xie Yang and human rights defender Wu Gan on 'subversion of state power' and related charges, and the sentencing of Mr. Wu to 8 years' imprisonment, raise serious concerns of due process and respect for the rule of law.

Mr. Xie and Mr. Wu's rights under China's Criminal Procedure Law to a fair trial, proper defence and prompt access to legal representation were not respected. Mr. Wu's right to appeal his conviction needs to be guaranteed. China's authorities should also investigate the allegations of torture in Mr. Wu's case, and anyone found responsible should be prosecuted according to the law.

We also reiterate our concerns over the pre-trial detention for more than two years of Wang Quanzhang, who has been consistently denied access to his family or to a lawyer of his own choosing.