News reports about Chinese human rights lawyers disturbing: US

The news reports about suspension of license of Chinese human rights lawyers is deeply disturbing, the US has said and urged the Chinese authorities that these lawyers be given an opportunity to practice law.
    
"We are deeply disturbed by press reports that the Beijing Judicial Bureau has refused to renew the annual licenses of 18 civil rights lawyers," the State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters yesterday in response to a question.

As the Obama administration seeks to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship with China, Kelly said: "We continually raise our concerns about China's treatment of human rights lawyers with authorities in Beijing, and note that strengthened rights protections and rule of law are forces for stability in modern society."
    
The spokesman urged China that human rights lawyers in China be given full scope to practice law. "We believe these lawyers should be licensed and allowed to practice.  We have a very broad bilateral agenda with China, which includes a discussion of human rights. Our Embassy in Beijing continues to raise, as appropriate, these cases," he said.