Supporters of Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng were reportedly beaten after attempting to visit the activist currently under house arrest, Human Rights in China said in a press statement. The organization said that 37 activists and bloggers were attacked by some 100 unidentified men in Linya, in eastern Shangdon province, as they were trying to see the blind activist. According to the rights group, a number of those assaulted were taken to local hospitals with what they said were serious injuries. Three were reportedly detained by security officers. Chen has been serving his jail sentence under house arrest since 2006, after he accused local officials of forcing women in the province to have abortions or sterilization. Chen and his wife have been beaten by authorities during his house arrest, rights groups have reported. BM
