Nobel winner Mo Yan defends prize - and Mao

GAOMI, China (AFP) - Chinese author Mo Yan on Friday defended his Nobel prize from dissidents who accused him of being a communist stooge, and expressed hope for the early release of jailed fellow laureate Liu Xiaobo.

Speaking after his Nobel literature prize sparked an outpouring of praise from the government, and sharp condemnation from critics, Mo Yan stood his ground in a press briefing likely to anger both sides.

He dismissed his detractors, saying they probably had not read his books.

"Some say that because I have a close relationship with the Communist Party, I shouldn't have won the prize. I think this is unconvincing," said Mo Yan, 57.