Li Zhuang stands second trial at the Chongqing Municipal No. 1 People's Court for giving false evidence and encouraging others to give false evidence in an organized crime gang trial in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Tuesday, February 9, 2010. [Photo: cqfy.chinacourt.org]

Beijing lawyer Li Zhuang was sentenced to a year and a half Tuesday, reversing an earlier sentence that he appealed, for giving false evidence and encouraging others to give false evidence in an organized crime gang trial in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

At the first trial in early January, 48-year-old Li was sentenced to two years and a half by the Jiangbei District People's Court in Chongqing.

Tuesday's verdict was handed down by the Chongqing Municipal No. 1 People's Court.

The court explained its decision by saying that Li had shown a positive attitude in admitting guilt. Such an admission is usually an important factor for judges to consider before they hand out a lighter punishment in China.

A statement from the court said 34 alleged gang members headed by Gong Gangmo were charged in Chongqing with organized crime offences on Nov. 20, 2009. On Nov. 22 and 25, Gong's wife and cousin signed contracts with Beijing Kang Da Law Firm in Beijing. Then the law firm assigned Li Zhuang, together with Ma Xiaojun, to defend Gong.

On Nov. 24 and 26 and Dec. 4 when Li visited Gong in Jiangbei district detention house, Li urged Gong to reverse his former confession and to fabricate an accusation of torture by police during interrogation.

On Dec. 3, Li encouraged a local lawyer named Wu Jiayou to bribe a police officer to ensure the officer would give false evidence supporting the fabricated allegation of torture against Gong.