Liu Xiaobo, a professor of literature, is serving an 11-year sentence in a Chinese prison for "inciting subversion of state power"; Not allowed to travel to Norway to accept his Nobel Peace Prize

Oslo, Norway (CNN) -- An imprisoned Chinese dissident was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, on Friday as groups of protesters gathered outside the Norwegian Embassy and United Nations offices in Beijing.

China has responded furiously since the Nobel committee announced on October 8 that Liu Xiaobo would be its peace prize winner. Officials have repeatedly called Liu a common criminal and declared the award a Western plot against China.

A large number of officers also stood guard outside the west central Beijing apartment complex where Liu Xiaobo's wife, Liu Xia, has been under house arrest since the award was announced. Journalists were cordoned off in a small area next to the building.

The police presence outside the Norwegian Embassy in Beijing had also increased early Friday.

Liu, a professor of literature, is serving an 11-year sentence in a Chinese prison for what the government called "inciting subversion of state power." He was not allowed to travel to Norway to accept the prize, nor was his wife, Liu Xia.

He will be represented by an empty chair at the Nobel ceremony, the second time such a symbol has been used in the event.

Click here to read the full story and view related videos.

Source: CNN.com, December 10, 2010

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