Liu Xiaobo, Charter 08, and the challenges of political reform in China / edited by Jean-Philippe Bej́a, Fu Hualing, and Eva Pils.

In December 2008 some 350 Chinese intellectuals published a manifesto calling for reform of the Chinese constitution and an end to one-party rule. Known as "charter 08," the manifesto has since been signed by more than 10,000 people. One of its authors, Liu Xiaobo, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 but has remained in prison since 2009 for subversive crimes. This collection of essays -- the first of its kind in English -- examines the trial of Liu Xiaobo, the significance and impact of Charter 08, and the prospects for reform in China. The essays include contributions from legal and political experts from around the world, an account of Liu's trial by his defense lawyers, and a passionate -- and ultimately optimistic -- account of resistance, repression and political change by the human rights lawyer Teng Biao. -- P. [4] of cover.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [299]-370) and index.

Part 1: Liu Xiaobo and the crime of inciting subversion. Is jail the only place where one can "live in truth"?: Liu Xiaobo's experiences -- The sky is falling: inciting subversion and the defense of Liu Xiaobo -- Criminal defense in sensitive cases: Yao Fuxin, Yang Jianli, Jiang Lijun, Du Daobin, Liu Xiaobo, and others -- Breaking through the obstacles of political isolation and discrimination. Part 2: Charter 08 in context. Boundaries of tolerance: Charter 08 and debates over political reform -- The threat of Charter 08 -- Democracy, Charter 08, and China's long struggle for dignity-- Charter 08 and Charta 77: East European past as China's future?. Part 3: Charter 08 and the politics of Weiquan and Weiwen. Challenging authoritarianism through law -- Popular constitutionalism and the constitutional meaning of Charter 08 -- Charter 08 and violent resistance: the dark side of the Chinese Weiquan movement -- The politics of Liu Xiaobo's Trial -- The political meaning of the crime of "subverting state power".