Verdict pending in trial of dissident writer Zhu Yufu

Veteran dissident Zhu Yufu stood trial yesterday on subversion charges for a poem he wrote that purportedly incited protests during the 'jasmine revolutions' in the Arab world, his wife and lawyer said.

The 2 1/2-hour trial at the Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court yesterday morning ended without a verdict, lawyer Li Dunyong said. He expects the verdict to be announced this month.

Zhu, a co-founder of the banned China Democracy Party, has been detained on the charge of 'inciting subversion of state power' since March. That followed a broad clampdown on dissent last year after mysterious calls emerged online for people to take part in 'jasmine revolutions' rallies inspired by the 'Arab spring' uprisings.

In his poem It's Time, which he posted online, Zhu wrote: 'The square belongs to us, the feet are yours, it's time to use your feet and take to the square to make a choice ... it's time to make your choice about our future China.'

Jiang Hangli, Zhu's wife, said her 58-year-old husband, who defended himself in court, had argued that his poem could not have actually led to any rallies because it did not mention any specific gatherings.

'He said it cannot be proven that it had any impact,' she said.