The 27-year-old German student who disrupted Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's speech at the University of Cambridge appeared at Cambridge magistrates court on Tuesday after being charged with a public order offense.
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Martin Jahnke (1st R) leaves Cambridge Magistrates Court, Britain, Feb. 10, 2009. Jahnke, the 27-year-old German student who disrupted Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's speech at the University of Cambridge on Feb. 2, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates Court on Tuesday after being charged with a public order offense. Martin Jahnke was accused of threatening abuse and causing stress through his behavior. The case was adjourned to March 10 for a pre-trial review.[Xinhua Photo] |
Martin Jahnke was accused of threatening abuse and causing stress through his behavior. The case was adjourned to March 10 for a pre-trial review.
The judge said the court needs time to prepare for witnesses. Until then, Jahnke will remain on unconditional bail and risk going to prison if he does not appear in court at 9:30 am on March10.
Jahnke was charged with violating section four of the Public Order Act shortly after disrupting Premier Wen's speech at the concert hall of University of Cambridge on Feb. 2.
Alison Richard, vice-chancellor of the university, later that day expressed her deep regret in a statement on the university website.
"I deeply regret that a single member of the audience this afternoon failed to show the respect for our speaker that is customary at Cambridge. This university is a place for considered argument and debate, not for shoe-throwing," she said.
Richard visited the Chinese Embassy in London last Friday to deliver her apology in person to ambassador Fu Ying.
She hoped that relations between the University of Cambridge and China would not be affected by the incident.
Premier Wen has, through the Chinese Embassy in London, sent a message urging leniency toward the student, who is understood to have formally apologized for his behavior.
"It is hoped that the university will give the student an opportunity to continue his studies," he said.
Wen urged Jahnke to "recognize his mistake and use his developing eyesight to recognize the real China."
Sources believe that Jahnke, if convicted, could face up to six months in prison or a fine of 5,000 pounds (6,400 U.S. dollars).
(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2009)