Rumors of police torture dismissed

A Chinese lawyer on trial for subversion has denied claims he was tortured while in police detention.

Xie Yang, of Hunan province, is accused of subversion and "disrupting court order", a charge similar to contempt of court.

At a hearing at Changsha Intermediate People's Court on Monday morning, the 45-year-old said the police and prosecutors had adequately protected his legal rights.

He said the authorities did not use torture to force a confession, adding that he has "not suffered torture", according to footage of the trial released on Sina Weibo.

The court also posted a transcript of the hearing online.

Police placed Xie under investigation in July 2015 and arrested him on Jan 8 last year, according to prosecutors.

The trial was attended by more than 40 people, including Xie's relatives and attorneys, legislators and political advisers.

The hearing was also open to journalists from foreign and domestic media organizations.