Blind activist Chen tells US lawmakers China breaking promise
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Blind activist Chen Guangcheng says China is violating its promise not to persecute his family.
Speaking before a congressional panel Tuesday, Chen said his nephew has been threatened by Yinan County officials with life imprisonment if he appeals his three-year sentence for assault.
Chen Kegui was sentenced in November in a summary trial, seen as retaliation by local officials angered by his uncle's daring escape from house arrest last April. That set off a diplomatic tussle between Beijing and Washington before the elder Chen, a self-taught rights lawyer, was allowed to leave for America.
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The U.S. has said Beijing gave assurances Chen's relatives would be treated in accordance with Chinese law.
Chen says local authorities have also intimidated his nephew's family.