WASHINGTON (AP) — A democracy activist who has returned to the United States after serving five years in Chinese prisons said Tuesday that he believes democratic change in China is inevitable.

Yang Jianli said he was forced to sit straight on a bench for four hours every day for a year and a half. He was beaten once. He was handcuffed for two weeks. He was denied the chance to go outside for fresh air during several stretches, including one that lasted eight months.

Still, Yang said he is sure China is on a path to democracy.

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