Three went to trial Tuesday in a Beijing court for allegedly stealing the contents of exam papers of the CET 4 (Band four of the College English Test) and disclosing them.

Shi Xiaolong, an official with the Chinese People's Public Security University, Cao Yu, a teacher with the Yuhang Training School in Langfang, Hebei Province, and Liu Chen, legal representative of the Yuhang Training School, were charged with intentionally revealing State secrets.

If convicted, they will face jail terms of three to seven years.

Shi Xiaolong allegedly opened a set of sealed CET 4 exam papers in his custody Sept. 19, 2003, and provided the contents to Cao Yu. Cao and Liu allegedly publicized the contents on the Web site of Yuhang Training School and disclosed the contents to CET 4 review classes before the examination.

The case, which has drawn wide public attention, was heard by the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court behind closed doors.

A verdict is yet to be announced.

(Shenzhen Daily May 12, 2004)