Categories: Asia NewsFront Page

Chen Kegui, Chen Guangcheng’s nephew, on trial for assaulting local officials

Chen Kegui, nephew of blind activist Chen Guangcheng, is being tried in a Chinese court for assaulting local officials who were looking for his uncle.

Chen Guangcheng escaped house arrest earlier this year and then took refuge at the US embassy in Beijing.

After he fled, his relatives’ homes were raided and his nephew, Chen Kegui, was detained by police, who accused him of attacking officials with a knife.

The activist has long expressed fears his relatives would face reprisals.

In the past, China has frequently punished family members of well-known dissidents.

Chen Guangcheng’s escape caused a diplomatic crisis when it emerged that he had taken refuge in the US embassy. It was finally defused after weeks of uncertainty when Chen Guangcheng was allowed to travel to the US for studies.

After he fled from his village, which was being guarded by government-hired guards, his relatives’ homes were raided.

Chen Guangcheng escaped house arrest earlier this year and then took refuge at the US embassy in Beijing

In an interview shortly afterwards, Chen Guangcheng’s brother and sister-in-law described being beaten by local officials.

But the authorities say that Chen Guangcheng’s nephew, Chen Kegui, hacked and wounded officials.

Family members say he acted in self-defence after the officials stormed his home and assaulted his parents.

He was originally charged with “intentional homicide” but the charge was later changed to “intentional injury”.

Human rights groups have expressed concern over whether the nephew will get a fair trial.

Chen Guangcheng, a self-taught lawyer, has campaigned against forced abortions under China’s one-child policy and was jailed for four years in 2006 for disrupting traffic and damaging property.

He was placed under house arrest after his release in 2010.

After he sought refuge in the US embassy, the Chinese authorities allowed him to leave the country with his wife and two children to study at the New York University School of Law.

In August, after meetings in the US Congress, the activist urged Washington to investigate his case and protect his family at home in China’s Shandong province.

Chen Guangcheng said Beijing had not fulfilled guarantees made to him about his own treatment and his family’s security when he left China.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

5 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago