A friend of Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng says police have recommended Chen's nephew be indicted over a scuffle with officials after the blind legal advocate's dramatic escape from house arrest.

Chen's escape in April set off a diplomatic tussle between Beijing and Washington before he was allowed to go to the U.S.

His nephew, Chen Kegui, has been detained since May, accused of attacking local officials. His family says Chen Kegui acted in self-defense when the officials stormed into his house looking for his uncle.

New York University law professor Jerome Cohen said Saturday that prosecutors in eastern China's Shandong province informed the family that police recommended charges of "intentional infliction of injury." The initial charge was attempted murder.

Cohen said he doubts Chen Kegui will get a fair trial.