Former Chinese lawyer stands trial for inciting subversion

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Jiang Tianyong, a former Beijing-based lawyer, stood trial Tuesday in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, accused of inciting subversion of state power.

During the open trial, Jiang, 46, said his legitimate rights had been fully protected during the investigation and he denied rumors that he had been tortured.

He also said he had fabricated rumors that a former Hunan lawyer, Xie Yang, had been tortured by Chinese authorities, an act that smeared the image of the Chinese government and judiciary.

Jiang said he fabricated the accounts to seek benefit and fame.

Jiang Tianyong stands trial for inciting subversion in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, August 22, 2017. /Photo via Changsha Intermediate People's Court

214 social media posts directly attacking Chinese government

Prosecutors accused Jiang of making defamatory statements about the Chinese government, judiciary and political system on multiple occasions on the Internet and in overseas media.

Jiang intentionally exaggerated a number of "sensitive cases," unscrupulously distorted facts, and incited others to gather and cause trouble in public areas, according to the indictment.

He was also accused of colluding with anti-China forces overseas and inciting hostility against the government.

Prosecutors said that his crimes had seriously harmed national security and social stability.

Since 2009 Jiang made over 33,000 posts on social media, including on Twitter and Sina Weibo, with 214 direct attacks against the Chinese government.

Jiang Tianyong's father attends the trial in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, August 22, 2017. /Photo via Changsha Intermediate People's Court

Jiang pleads guilty

In his final statement, Jiang plead guilty and expressed remorse.

"I feel ashamed and regret for what I have done in the past ... I am willing to receive due punishment from deep in my heart," he said.

Jiang Tianyong stands trial for inciting subversion in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, August 22, 2017. /Photo via Changsha Intermediate People's Court

He also expressed regret to the country and society as well as to his parents, wife and daughter, saying that he hoped the court would give him a chance to start afresh and rectify his wrongdoing.

Over 40 people, including Jiang's family, legislators, political advisors, domestic and overseas journalists, and members of the public, attended the trial.

The verdict will be announced on a later date.

1343km

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency