Trial of blind birth-control activist postponed

A Yinan county court in Shandong province has postponed the trial of blind activist Chen Guangcheng because prosecutors want to provide new evidence. His lawyers, Li Jinsong and Xu Zhiyong, said they were not told when the trial would start.

Chen, 35, has been in detention for more than 10 months after he exposed the suffering of farmers under coercive birth controls by local officials. He was charged with damaging public property and inciting people to disrupt transport.

Mr Li said Chen appeared in good health and spirits at a detention centre.

Mr Xu, who arrived at Linyi a few days ago to gather evidence, said outsiders were not allowed in the village. Lawyers were unable to contact Chen's wife, Yuan Weijing .

'It is good to know that the prosecutors admit the evidence they have already submitted to the court is not sufficient,' Mr Li said.

Censors have been blocking internet postings by Chen's supporters.