China frees NY Times researcher (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

A Chinese journalist working for the New York Times has been freed after almost three years in jail in China.

Zhao Yan was arrested in 2004 and later charged with leaking state secrets, prompting condemnation from human rights groups and Western governments.

That charge was dropped but he was then convicted of defrauding an official of $2,500 - a charge he has always denied.

On his release, he was met by friends and relatives including his sister, who said he was in good spirits.

Zhao Yan was released from prison early on Saturday morning, but chose not to make any kind of statement.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6996128.stm