MikeLigalig.com

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.

Reporting restrictions

Mr Zhao, 45, works as a research assistant for the New York Times in China.

He was detained by state security forces in September 2004 after writing a short note about political rivalries among China's leaders.

source: news.bbc.co.uk

Despite our country's chaotic condition, at least we still have freedom of the press (somewhat).