Chinese crackdown on lawyers casts shadow over activists' trial
Legal representatives in trio's subversion case urged to stand firmly and fearlessly by the law
The controversial trial of rights lawyer Tang Jingling and two other activists charged with inciting subversion of state power resumes on Thursday after a closed-door hearing last month that saw the trio dismiss their defence lawyers in protest against court irregularities.
The hearing comes amid a sweeping crackdown on rights advocates, which saw at least 245 lawyers, law firm staff and activists detained, arrested or put under watch.
Some high-profile Guangzhou-based activists, such as Ye Du, have been taken away by state security personnel. Su Muqing, one of the trio's defence lawyers in last month's hearing, has been detained for allegedly inciting subversion of state power.
Tang's wife, Wang Yanfang, said she faced the hearing with a heavy heart.
"I fear for the fate of my husband and the lawyers representing him and his friends in court … They might end up like Sui and the other lawyers who have been detained in the recent crackdown," she said.
"The hearing is in the eye of a worsening storm as the crackdown on lawyers is intensifying."
The first hearing of the controversial case at the Guangzhou Intermediate People's Court last month saw Tang, university lecturer Yuan Chaoyang and freelancer Wang Qingying sack their six legal representatives, including Sui.