This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-23624034

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Xu Zhiyong: Activist speaks from Chinese jail Xu Zhiyong: Activist speaks from Chinese jail
(about 17 hours later)
Jailed Chinese civil rights campaigner Xu Zhiyong has spoken out in a video message from his prison cell.Jailed Chinese civil rights campaigner Xu Zhiyong has spoken out in a video message from his prison cell.
Seen handcuffed and behind bars, Mr Xu urges his compatriots to unite in pursuing democratic freedoms.Seen handcuffed and behind bars, Mr Xu urges his compatriots to unite in pursuing democratic freedoms.
No matter how "absurd" society is, he said, "this country needs brave citizens who can stand up and hold fast to their convictions," No matter how "absurd" society is, he said, "this country needs brave citizens who can stand up and hold fast to their convictions".
The legal activist was detained last month, accused of having "gathered crowds to disrupt public order".The legal activist was detained last month, accused of having "gathered crowds to disrupt public order".
A friend of his told the AP news agency that the video was shot by one of Mr Xu's lawyers on 1 August.A friend of his told the AP news agency that the video was shot by one of Mr Xu's lawyers on 1 August.
Mr Xu, seen as a moderate among Chinese rights advocates, said he was willing to "sacrifice anything" for "freedom, public good and faith," in the video by the Wall Street Journal.Mr Xu, seen as a moderate among Chinese rights advocates, said he was willing to "sacrifice anything" for "freedom, public good and faith," in the video by the Wall Street Journal.
The Beijing-based activist has called for government transparency and for officials to reveal their assets.The Beijing-based activist has called for government transparency and for officials to reveal their assets.
In the past he has campaigned for death row inmates and for the families affected by the baby milk poisoning scandal.In the past he has campaigned for death row inmates and for the families affected by the baby milk poisoning scandal.
Tax evasion charges against him in 2009 were dropped after public outcry.Tax evasion charges against him in 2009 were dropped after public outcry.