The Higher People's Court of Beijing Municipality on Thursday rejected Liu Xiaobo's appeal and upheld the first-instance trial verdict on his convicted crime of agitation aimed at subversion of the government.

Liu Xiaobo.[File photo]

He was sentenced to 11 years of imprisonment on Dec. 25, 2009 by the First Intermediate People's Court of Beijing Municipality.

A statement from the higher court said the final verdict was made after the court reviewed his case files, questioned Liu himself, heard opinions of his defense lawyers and conducted a second-instance trial.

Liu's family and some members of the public were present at the open rendition of judgement.