Mainland anger over corrupt cadre's early release from jail
Discovery of parole in 2011 of corrupt Shanxi official sentenced to 11 years in 2006 spurs questions about integrity of anti-graft drive
The early release on parole of a disgraced Shanxi official who was jailed for corruption has sparked a furore on the mainland, with many people voicing doubts about the effectiveness of Beijing's anti-graft drive.
Former Shanxi deputy party secretary Hou Wujie was jailed for 11 years in 2006 for taking 880,000 yuan in bribes, but mainland internet users discovered this week that he was released from jail more than a year ago.
On Monday microbloggers said that Hou was given a "hero's welcome", with gifts of flowers from provincial officials, businessmen and coalmine owners who escorted him home.
The provincial government denied on Tuesday that any Shanxi cadres or coalmine owners had visited Hou, but said Hou was released on parole in October 2011 and was escorted home by his son, China National Radio reported.
The early release sparked furious reactions from the mainland media, internet users and commentators, who said that would deal a blow to the anti-corruption drive.
It is not uncommon for officials sentenced to lengthy prison terms to be given generous probation arrangements.
Lin Chongzhong , the former deputy head of Jiangmen , Guangdong, was granted medical parole by a local court when it sentenced him to 10 years' jail for corruption in 2009, effectively allowing him to return home. Prosecutors expressed frustration with the court's decision, and the provincial anti-graft watchdog received further tip-offs about Lin's misbehaviour.