China defends accusations of 'hastening' dissident's death

An American lawyer representing detained Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo [L'YOO shao-BOH] is accusing China's government of hastening his death by refusing to allow him to be treated outside China. The 61 year-old Nobel Laureate is terminally ill with liver cancer. It follows growing international calls from governments and rights groups for Liu's unconditional release.

A video clip shows China's jailed Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo at a hospital in Beijing Source: AAP