Beijing (AsiaNews) - A verdict of conviction for Liu Xiaobo, expected tomorrow, means a condemnation of the Chinese constitution, which thus becomes a " null and void" document. So says Bao Tong, former aide to Zhao Ziyang, later imprisoned for his opposition to the massacre of Tiananmen.   Bao Tong is among the signatories of Charter 08, the manifesto in defence of human rights in China, published last year, due to which Liu Xiaobo - one of the authors - was arrested a year ago yesterday and tried for "subversion against state power. " His verdict is expected tomorrow.

Charter 08, signed by 300 first and then by tens of thousands of Chinese - including Party members - calls for more attention from the Communist leadership to human rights in China and political and social reforms such as the separation between government and the Communist Party, and the distinction of legislative, judicial and executive powers. The document also demands religious freedom for communities of all faiths, casting aside the division between "normal" (ie controlled) and "illegal" (not controlled) activities (See 26/01/2009 Charter 08, a plea for human rights in China | complete text).  

The trial of Liu Xiaobo is actually a trial of the demands contained in Charter 08, which in turn are recorded in the Chinese constitution.   This is why Bao Tong maintains, "if they [the government and the Party] tell the court to rule against Charter 08, it is none other then taking away the citizens' right to freedom of expression, publication, association, protest and demonstration ... This means announcing that the constitution is null and void. "   Bao Tong's allegations are contained in an essay published in full by Radio Free Asia. In it, the statesman ironically the charges of "subversion" that weigh against Liu Xiaobo.