Chinese journalist who accused officials released after nearly a year in detention

A Chinese journalist was released on Sunday after being detained in a police investigation for nearly a year, his lawyer said.

Investigative reporter Liu Hu from the Guangzhou-based New Express daily was placed under detention last August on suspicion of defaming state officials amid a sweeping anti-rumour crackdown. 

Rights lawyer Zhou Ze, has represented Liu during his detention, said the journalist was released on bail on Sunday. He said he believed that the state was unlikely to press charges because the indictment is groundless.

“The prosecutor has ordered the police to supplement their investigations several times over the past seven months. It shows the procuratorial organ is in disagreement with the police on the view of the case,” Zhou told the South China Morning Post on Monday.

He said Liu’s detention was a typical example of “criminalisation of speech”, in an effort to halt criticism of those in public office.

“Liu’s arrest was obviously a result of retribution for the accusations he made”, Zhou said.

Before his arrest last year, Liu reported via his social media account that a number of ministry-level officials were suspected of abusing their power.