China denies "illegal detention" chargeThe Hindu Beijing, June 5. (PTI): China today rejected as `groundless' the allegation that a US-based democracy activist has been held by the Government in violation of international law. Confirming that Yang Jianli has been detained by Chinese security agencies, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said the accused is suspected of violating China's laws and engaged in criminal activities. "Yang Jianli was arrested on suspicion of illegal border-crossing and other criminal acts. The judicial organs are investigating his case according to law," Zhang said while responding to the ruling by the UN Human Rights Commission working group which said Yang has been held in violation of international law. In their ruling made public yesterday, the UN Human Rights Commission working group found Chinese authorities failed to give Yang a fair trial or access to a lawyer, and the panel asked the Chinese to "take the necessary steps to remedy the situation."
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