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China court sentences Xu Zhiyong to four years in jail China court sentences Xu Zhiyong to four years in jail
(35 minutes later)
A Chinese court has sentenced prominent human rights activist Xu Zhiyong to four years in prison.A Chinese court has sentenced prominent human rights activist Xu Zhiyong to four years in prison.
Mr Xu, who campaigned for children's rights and against corruption, was convicted of "gathering crowds to disrupt public order".Mr Xu, who campaigned for children's rights and against corruption, was convicted of "gathering crowds to disrupt public order".
Several other activists from a transparency movement are facing similar charges.Several other activists from a transparency movement are facing similar charges.
Rights groups have criticised President Xi Jinping - who pledged to fight corruption - over their cases.Rights groups have criticised President Xi Jinping - who pledged to fight corruption - over their cases.
Mr Xu was arrested in July 2013 and the trial began on Wednesday.Mr Xu was arrested in July 2013 and the trial began on Wednesday.
The court announced the jail sentence on its official microblog on Sunday.The court announced the jail sentence on its official microblog on Sunday.
Mr Xu's lawyer, Zhang Qingfang, earlier told the BBC that his client regarded the court proceedings as illegal, and stayed silent during the trial in protest.
Mr Xu, who was also previously under house arrest, is a leading advocate of a group campaigning for government officials to reveal their wealth.Mr Xu, who was also previously under house arrest, is a leading advocate of a group campaigning for government officials to reveal their wealth.
Seven members of his informal grassroots group, New Citizens Movement, also are also facing separate trials on similar charges.Seven members of his informal grassroots group, New Citizens Movement, also are also facing separate trials on similar charges.