The controversy over the sentencing of tainted-milk activist Zhao Lianhai took a political twist yesterday, as Beijing's new man overseeing Hong Kong affairs warned against interference with the mainland judiciary under the 'one country, two systems' principle.
The remarks by Wang Guangya came as three Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress confirmed Zhao had been freed on medical parole.
The activist's conviction by the Beijing Daxing District People's Court and imprisonment for 21/2 years sparked outcry in Hong Kong and internationally, with local NPC members speaking out and 28 of them signing a letter to the Supreme People's Court calling for his release.
Responding to the criticism in Beijing yesterday Wang, who assumed office in October as director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said most countries maintained judicial independence and China was no different.
'Others should not interfere,' he said. 'Moreover, I understand that this incident has already been properly settled.'
Asked whether the joint letter from the Hong Kong NPC members to the court amounted to interference, the official said: 'It depends on the way of expression. Under 'one country, two systems', well water should not intrude into river water.'