Blind China activist speaks by phone to Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) ? For the second time in less than two weeks, Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng (chehn gwahng-chung) has spoken by phone to a U.S. congressional hearing and alleged persecution of his relatives.

Chen complained Tuesday that his elder brother and nephew had both been beaten by Chinese authorities since Chen fled house arrest in late April.

Chen said a charge of homicide brought against his nephew was "trumped up."

Rights activist Bob Fu, who translated Chen's comments, earlier testified that Chen's nephew had injured several people who had burst into his home without warrants.

Chen is awaiting Chinese permission to travel to study in the U.S.

He has been at a Beijing hospital after his flight from house arrest to the U.S. Embassy triggered intense U.S.-China negotiations on his fate.

Associated Press

kepler 22 b st nicholas st nicholas mindy mccready mindy mccready cliff harris cliff harris