Another news from NYTIMES

THE PAPER SAID:
A Chinese court sentenced an advocate of peasants' rights to more than four years in prison on Thursday after a trial his lawyers say was a sham.

On the eve of Mr. Chen's trial last week, three of his lawyers were accused by local thugs of stealing property. The lawyers were then detained by the local police and one of them was held until after Mr. Chen's trial had ended.

When his other lawyers complained to the court that the harassment made a mockery of the legal proceedings and called for a delay, the court appointed new defense lawyers for Mr. Chen and proceeded with the trial.

The appointed defense lawyers did not contest any of the charges against Mr. Chen and did not call any witnesses on his behalf.

"I believe the court officials there have lost their minds," said Xu Zhiyong, one of Mr. Chen's chosen lawyers, who was prevented from attending his trial by the local police. "The entire process was illegal."

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