Liu Xiaobo Gets 11 Years in Jail

He had co-authored a manifesto that calls for political reforms in the People’s Republic. Liu was sentenced harshly despite calls from the West and international rights groups for his unconditional release.

In a statement, the Swedish EU presidency condemned the decision to jail Liu and said that the sentence raises questions about the state of free speech and the judicial system in China.

Germany also strongly criticised the sentencing, calling on Beijing to allow greater freedom of expression. In Hong Kong, dozens of people took to the streets to protest.