Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese activist sentenced to 4 years.

Chen Guangcheng was convicted of damaging property and "organizing a mob to disturb traffic" after a trial in the eastern province of Shandong.

Chen's supporters say local officials fabricated the charges against him in retaliation for his activism.

"I am outraged by the sentence," said Li Fangping, a member of a team of volunteer defense lawyers for Chen.

Li said Chen would appeal.

Chen, who was blinded by a fever in infancy, taught himself law in order to fight discrimination against himself and handicapped farmers in his home province of Shandong.

He was arrested after recording complaints by villagers who said they were forced to undergo abortions and sterilizations.

The Japan Times Weekly: Sept. 2, 2006
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