Prominent Chinese rights activist to appeal sentence


Chinese rights advocate Xu Zhiyong speaks during a meeting in Beijing in this handout photo dated March 30, 2013. REUTERS/Xiao Guozhen/Handout via Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) - One of China's most prominent rights activists will appeal against a four-year prison sentence that prompted international criticism, his lawyer said on Tuesday, because he believes his conviction could set a bad precedent for others on trial.

A court sentenced Xu Zhiyong on Sunday after he campaigned for the rights of children from rural areas to be educated in cities and for officials to disclose their assets. The United States, the European Union and rights groups have condemned the sentence.

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