Businessman released after five years' detention in China

Dec 10, 2006, 13:32 GMT

Hong Kong - Chinese authorities have released a Hong Kong businessman after detaining him for five years, a media report said Sunday.

Chan Tsz-cheung, 59, was freed after his family met senior officials in Beijing in October, the South China Morning Post said.

He was released from a detention centre in Shenzhen, just across the border from Hong Kong on November 11 after the Guangdong provincial magistrate withdrew fraud charges because of lack of evidence. Chan returned to Hong Kong on November 22 after his travel documents were returned.

He was detained in October 2001 by public security officials in Guangdong over an alleged fraud case. The officials initially denied arresting Chan but admitted in May 2003 that he had been detained without charge for 19 months.

There was also widespread anger after it emerged a Guangdong police officer had travelled to Hong Kong to question Chan's family without first seeking permission of Hong Kong officials. Chan's family claimed the officer said he would be released on payment of 14 million Yuan.

Chan later appeared in court in Shenzhen but the court ruled in October 2004 the case was outside its jurisdiction. But Chan remained in detention for more than two years until his release in November.

Society for Community Organisation director Ho Hei-wah, which helped the family, said the case showed the Hong Kong government was powerless at protecting the rights of Hong Kong residents in China.