For two consecutive days, prominent Chinese human rights activist Hu Jia's defense lawyers were not allowed see Hu to discuss his appeal. They were stalled by authorities until the appeal period expired. Lawyers and family members aren't able to confirm whether Hu is still in a detention center or has been transferred to a prison. Here's more on the situation.

On April 3rd, human rights activist Hu Jia was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison by the Chinese Communist Party. He was charged with subverting state power, an accusation often used to put rights activists in prison. But according to Chinese law, Hu has 10 days after the verdict is given to appeal the court's decision.

Hu's leading defense lawyer, Li Fangping, says the Beijing Detention Center refused lawyers' requests to see Hu to file the appeal.

[Li Fangping, Leading Defense Lawyer]:
"(On April 14th) in the afternoon we went there. But they said Hu Jia was receiving a medical exam and was not at the detention center."

On April 15th, Li Fangping and other defense lawyers were again denied visiting rights.

[Li Fangping, Leading Defense Lawyer]:
"Yesterday we went to see Hu Jia, they said they could not accept the appeal since it is expired."

NTD called the detention center where Hu has been held, but no one there picked up the phone to talk to us.

We will continue to follow this developing story and will bring you the latest on Hu's condition when the information becomes available.

NTD New York