A dissident Chinese poet whose detention has drawn an international appeal for his release was sentenced Monday by a court in southwestern China to 12 years in prison for contract fraud, his lawyer said.

Li Bifeng — formerly imprisoned for five years for involvement in the Tiananmen Square democracy movement — was sentenced at Shehong County Court in Sichuan province, said lawyer Zhao Jianwei. He said the defense would appeal.

"We believe the verdict was not based on the facts and the prosecutors and the court violated procedural laws and regulations," Zhao said.

A court official who declined to give his name confirmed Li's hearing had taken place, but said he didn't have details.