US calls for release of Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo

Kerry also raised concerns about the detention of the activist legal scholar Xu Zhiyong, who founded the New Citizens Movement, a loose network of activists who have gathered for political discussions over dinner and small street rallies.

Beijing police have recommended that city prosecutors indict Xu for allegedly organizing street demonstrations, Xu's lawyer Zhang Qingfang said.

Xu has yet to be charged for any crime, but comments Tuesday by China's Foreign Ministry spokesman indicate his conviction is likely a foregone conclusion.

The spokesman, Hong Lei, said that both Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong had violated China's laws.

“They deserve to be punished by law,” Hong said. “I need to emphasize that only the 1.3 billion Chinese people are best qualified to pass judgment over China's human rights condition.”