Merkel expresses regret China blocked human rights lawyer from meeting her

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed regret yesterday that the Chinese police blocked a human rights lawyer from meeting her.

"Unfortunately, the lawyer was unable to attend. I regret that," Ms Merkel told reporters, according to a German government transcript.

A country with China's vitality and economic growth should have the confidence that even dissident voices are necessary for its society, she said.

The lawyer, Mr Mo Shaoping, said the Beijing police told him he could not attend a dinner and meeting with Ms Merkel, citing the need to maintain stability ahead of a Communist Party congress later this year. The pair planned to discuss China's legal environment and lawyers who have suffered from official harassment, he said.

After the Chinese authorities' objection, Ms Merkel also cancelled a visit to a Guangzhou newspaper known to report on sensitive issues, said an official who was with her.

Ms Merkel earlier said her talks with Chinese leaders would include discussions of human rights and other "sensitive topics".


(2012-02-05/todayonline)