Media

HKU Seminar on "The Trial of Liu Xiaobo and Beyond"

27 Jan 2010

 

The Centre for Comparative and Public Law of the University of Hong Kong will hold a seminar on January 30 (Saturday) to discuss the prospect of political reform and constitutionalism in China after the trial of human rights activists Liu Xiaobo.

Liu Xiaobo was convicted of committing the offence of instigating the subversion of the political power of the state through slandering under Article 105(2) of the Criminal Code of the People's Republic of China for publishing several articles on the Internet, drafting the "Charter 08", and seeking other people to sign it. He was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment and deprived of political rights for 2 years.

In the seminar, experts in Chinese criminal law, Chinese constitutional law and international human rights laws will analyze whether the judgement can satisfy the requirements of Chinese criminal law, Chinese constitutional law and international human rights laws. The reason for the Beijing Government to have prosecuted and detained Liu at this particular moment is also the concern of many people. Participants will look beyond the trial of Liu Xiaobo and analyze the significance of Charter 08 drafted by Liu on the prospect of political reform and constitutionalism in China.

Media representatives are cordially invited to the seminar. Details are as follows:

Date: January 30, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 9:30am - 1:00pm
Venue: Council Chamber, 8/F Meng Wah Complex, HKU
Speakers:
1st Session：The Trial of Liu Xiaobo
Professor Johannes Chan, SC, Faculty of Law, HKU
Professor Fu Hualing, Faculty of Law, HKU
2nd Session：The Significance of Charter 08
Ching Cheong, Political Commentator
Associate Professor Benny Tai, Faculty of Law, HKU
Language: Cantonese / Putonghua

For details of the seminar, please contact Ms Flora Leung (tel: 2859 2941 / email: fkleung@hku.hk).

For media enquiries, please contact: Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2606 email: pychoy@hku.hk or Ms Melanie Wan (Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk.