Harassment of lawyers worries US rights group
Growing harassment of lawyers on the mainland, particularly the recent conviction of blind 'barefoot lawyer' Chen Guangcheng , has set back the rule of law in China, a rights group reported yesterday.
The New York-based Human Rights in China said other setbacks included the laying of charges in violation of Chinese criminal law and new restrictions undermining lawyers' defence work.
Its report highlighted eight recent cases of lawyers being prosecuted, including the conviction of Chen, who was jailed for four years and three months last Thursday on charges of damaging property and organising a mob to disrupt traffic. His legal team also faced harassment during his trial.
The human rights watchdog said the release of the 'The Guiding Opinion on Lawyers Handling Collective Cases' by the official All-China Lawyers Association on March 20 was the authorities' latest attempt to harass lawyers handling sensitive cases.
Lawyers who breach the regulations - which are reportedly aimed at ensuring sensitive disputes do not threaten social stability - will face punishment.
'Through official efforts to use legal and extra-legal means to silence and control public dissent and unrest, this crackdown further calls into question the openness and fairness of the Chinese judicial system,' the report said.
Xu Zhiyong , one of Chen's three lawyers, was beaten up while trying to visit his client and later detained to stop him representing the blind activist.
Fan Yafeng , a legal expert, said the authorities would only create a crisis for themselves if they restricted judicial development. 'They [authorities] are nervous because they do not have the skill or confidence to rule the country.'
He said the central government could secure its authority by implementing a more strategic and scientific plan to govern the country. 'Encouraging judicial development and setting up a just society could win over people's hearts.'
