One of China's most prominent human rights lawyers has gone on trial in Beijing, amid scuffles outside court.

Pu Zhiqiang is accused of "inciting ethnic hatred" and "picking quarrels and provoking trouble".

Foreign journalists, diplomats and a small group of Chinese protesters were manhandled by security officials outside the court.

Mr Pu is the latest to be tried in a crackdown on lawyers, dissidents, and those accused of corruption.

He posted comments on social media mocking the ruling Communist Party and questioning policies towards Xinjiang's Muslim Uighur minority, as well as Tibetans. The lawyer faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.

The BBC's John Sudworth, who is outside the court, says that given the government's tight control of the courts, there is almost no chance of an acquittal and Mr Pu likely faces a lengthy spell in prison.

Mr Pu has been in detention since May 2014, after he attended an event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. He participated in the Tiananmen protests as a student.

(BBC)