Environmentalist Liu Futang fined for exposing Hainan pollution scandals
Environmentalist Liu Futang punished for works he published about Hainan pollution
Eco-warrior Liu Futang was found guilty yesterday by a local court in the southern province of Hainan for illegally profiting from self-published books that exposed pollution scandals, most of which he gave away or sent to friends, officials and fellow activists.
It was the latest case of mainland officials trying to muffle a dissident environmentalist.
Liu, 65, was sentenced to three years in prison, but given a full reprieve, and fined 17,000 yuan (HK$21,000). He is thought to have struck a plea deal to avoid imprisonment.
"Liu returned home this evening and he's still in poor health," said lawyer Zhou Ze, a friend of Liu who attended his hearing in October but could not make yesterday's sentencing.
Liu's friends expected the veteran environmentalist to waive his right to appeal.
Feng Yongfeng, founder of the Beijing-based Green Beagle environmental group, said police in Haikou, Hainan, told him last month Liu had reached an agreement with the court as a condition for his release from custody.
The conviction and plea deal will effectively silence the vocal activist, who has repeatedly revealed environmental degradation caused by government-backed projects in Hainan.