China to try NY Times researcher

[acmejack]

China is to prosecute a New York Times researcher on charges of leaking state secrets and fraud, his lawyer has said.

Zhao Yan, who has been held by Chinese authorities since September 2004, could face trial within six weeks in Beijing.

He is thought to have been detained in connection with a New York Times report about plans by ex-President Jiang Zemin to retire from his top military post.

Mr Zhao denies all the charges against him. The New York Times newspaper also denies he has disclosed state secrets.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4556870.stm

[Lerkfish]

1. as if anyone has any reason to believe the NYT at this point.

[reichstag911]

2. Boy, maybe the NYTimes should try one of those! n/t

[MisterP]

3. so it's the apparatchiks of an undemocratic, authoritarian regime

versus Communist China?

[Straight Shooter]

4. No credibility for the NYT means zip zero nada credibility for Mr. Zhao.

He's in a really bad position.