Inside China Today

Over one thousand people support Yang Jia, 40 arrested

On Monday, Beijing resident Yang Jia appealed at the Shanghai Higher People’s Court. This appeal drew not only reporters, but over 1000 supporters from around the country who gathered in front of the courts requesting to listen to the appeal. Police and plain-cloth officers around the areas arrested petitioners and supporters, with 40 people arrested and detained at the Shanghai Aid Management Centre for nearly 10 hours. They were later released.

Other supporting members of the public were taken to the Shanghai Aid Management Centre, and petitioners say nearly 40 are detained there, with the oldest being 70, and the youngest being a university student in the twenties. The centre is watched in turn by over 10 police and a dozen security guards, and the detainees were locked up for close to 10 hours and not given any food during the time, despite their protests. They were given a bit of water after requesting for it.

Eyewitnesses said that they did not see Yang Jia’s father outside, but one person who accompanied him was refused entry back into the court after coming out for some food during recess. He was told that the court had already resumed.

It is known that the defence lawyer appointed by the court requested a determination of Yang Jia’s mental illness, but the judge denied the request.

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