BEIJING, China – A Chinese court has sentenced Hu Jia, Chinese dissident and activist, to jail for 3.5 years for “inciting subversion of state power.” The official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, reported that Hu Jia made a confession, which lead to the court to give a relatively light sentence.

Hu Jia is a prominent human rights activist and dissident that has openly criticized the Chinese government. Recently he wrote: “Is China improving its human rights record? When you come to the Olympic Games in Beijing, you will see skyscrapers, spacious streets, modern stadiums and enthusiastic people. Please be aware that the Olympic Games will be held in a country where there are no elections, no freedom of religion, no independent courts, no independent trade unions; where demonstrations and strikes are prohibited.”

Dozens of supporters stood outside the courthouse when the sentence was announced. Li Hai, a supporter, commented, “Hu Jia is a hero to us because he stood up to speak out, so we should also speak out.”

For more information, please see:

Impunity Watch – Chinese Dissidents Detained and to Stand Trial for Criticisms– 10 March 2008

Impunity Watch – UPDATE: Human Rights Watch Calls Hu Jia’s Trial a “Sham” –18 March 2008

International Herald Tribune – Chinese Civil Rights Activist, Hu Jia, Sentenced to Prison – 3 April 2008