Liu Xiaoqing, the actress-turned-businesswoman, was released on bail yesterday after spending more than a year in custody for her alleged involvement in a tax fraud case.
Xinhua reported last night that she was released after she 'showed remorse and intention to raise funds to pay taxes that she owed'.
However, prosecution authorities have filed an indictment to a court against the 52-year-old actress and businesswoman, it said.
Xinhua's announcement ended a two-day media frenzy over speculation that Liu was to be released.
Dozens of photographers and reporters staked out the Beijing Municipal Detention Centre for hours hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous detainee, but without success.
China News Service reported yesterday that she was scheduled for release on bail on Friday but it was delayed until yesterday.
Last night, Li Xiaolin, one of Liu's lawyers, said neither Liu nor judiciary authorities had contacted him about her release.