Summary The explosion drew condemnation but also sympathy from observers as well.
BEIJING (AP) A paralyzed former taxi driver has gone on trial for endangering public safety by setting off an explosion at Beijing s airport.
His lawyer said Tuesday that he was only seeking attention for his grievances and didn t intend to detonate the blast or hurt anyone.
The explosion two months ago injured only the defendant, 33-year-old Ji Zhongxing, who already had been paralyzed in what he said was a beating by city officials in Guangdong province in 2005.
The explosion drew condemnation but also sympathy from observers who saw his act as a sign the country does not adequately address grievances of marginalized members of society.
The trial in a Beijing district court lasted about 2 1/2 hours. The verdict was expected later. Ji faces three to 10 years in prison.
