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Reporter's file going to prosecutor

Martin Wong

The case of Hong Kong journalist Ching Cheong, whose detention on the mainland has entered its eighth month, is to be referred to prosecutors by the end of next week, the chief executive said.

Speaking after his meetings with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao , Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said he had brought up Ching's case. 'I understand that the matter is being actively looked into and the case will be referred to the prosecution department before January 6,' he said.

Ong Yew-kim, a research fellow at Chinese University's Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, said the China correspondent for The Straits Times of Singapore would appear in court within nine weeks. Ching, 55, was arrested by the State Security Bureau in Guangzhou and held under house arrest in Beijing accused of spying for Taiwan between 2000 and March. His case should normally have been handed to prosecutors within two months of his formal arrest on August 5.

Ching's wife, fellow journalist Mary Lau Man-yee, said the family was seeking legal advice. Lau, who has not seen her husband since his arrest, said her biggest hope was that he would be set free. The Straits Times hoped the case could be resolved as soon as possible and Ching's family reunited soon.

Hong Kong Journalists' Association chairwoman Cheung Ping-ling called for an open trial. 'The case has aroused worldwide attention. The trial must be conducted in a fair and just manner.'

The Ching Cheong Incident Concern Group, founded by some of Ching's University of Hong Kong alumni, said they would offer help whenever possible. 'We just hope that the mainland will do everything in accordance with its law,' said its spokesman, Mak Chai-ming.

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