CHINA has taken the unusual step of refuting reports that imprisoned dissident Wei Jingsheng is in poor health.
Xinhua (the New China News Agency) said Wei was examined after he entered prison in January and although it was confirmed that he was suffering from hypertension and a fatty liver, coronary heart disease was ruled out after an electrocardiogram and 24-hour monitoring.
Xinhua said that Wei was treated in the prison hospital for his other ailments and is now in a healthy condition.
Wei, who has already spent over 16 years in prison or detention, has long complained of angina according to his brother Wei Xiaotao.
'He often took medicine for angina during his first period in prison and after his release went to see several doctors seeking treatment,' Wei Xiaotao said.
The dissident's brother said that during a prison visit he had discussed with Wei the possibility of applying for his release to obtain medical treatment outside prison.