How f***ed up is this?

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

on trial

 

A man who organised a support group for parents whose children were made ill in one of China's most serious food safety scandals pleaded not guilty today to charges of inciting social disorder, his lawyer said.

 

Zhao Lianhai was behind a push for greater accountability and compensation for the victims and their families of the 2008 scandal that shocked China. More than 300,000 children were made ill by milk powder tainted by an industrial chemical, including Zhao's son, who is now five years old. At least six children died.

 

After the six-hour trial, his lawyer, Li Fangping, said he expected a verdict within two weeks.

 

Before going into the court, Li showed reporters the statement that Zhao was allowed to read in part during the trial. "We should be firm with our principles and beliefs, otherwise it will affect our souls ... in which case, we'll really be guilty," it said.

 

Zhao, who rallied families through a website he created that details the crisis, was taken away by police in November. His wife and two children have not seen him since.

 

His wife, Li Xuemei, who was not allowed into the court, waited outside. She grew increasingly frustrated and peppered court officials with questions as the trial went beyond the hour or two expected.

 

"What are you scared of?" she shouted, while holding her son Zhao Pengrui. "Why are you like mice?"

 

About a dozen supporters stood with her, wearing yellow ribbons and arguing with officials while half-dozen police stood by silently. "They call him the accused, we call him a hero," said one woman, Ye Jinghuan.

 

Li Xuemei told reporters her family now depended on donations from supporters for daily expenses.

[Kite]

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Edited March 30, 2010 by Mr Kite

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

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[stressederic]

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[johngibo YPC]

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[Hassony]

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