Concern has been heightened as the Communist party ups its campaign against free speech. Chi Susheng, a lawyer in Northern China, said: 'There is definitely something going on. Lots of lawyers have made pacts so that if they get into trouble, someone else will represent them. I have made  agreements with 20 lawyers in case of an emergency.' In the last few days, lawyers representing activists in the New Citizens' Movement have managed to delay the hearings by advising their clients to sack them. This then triggers a retrial. But Chen Guangwu, another lawyer, fears that this will lead to reprisals from the authorities. Mr Chen said: 'This type of behaviour, which hinders the government, will be cracked down   on.' Source: Peace and Freedom blog