Journalist's wife wary of release rumours

The wife of a Hong Kong journalist detained on the mainland accused of spying says she is aware of rumours that he will be released soon but has received no news from the authorities.

Mary Lau Man-yee says she is not raising her hopes that her husband, Ching Cheong, will be freed shortly. Speculation that he might be released followed comments made by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen on Monday. Mr Tsang said the truth surrounding his case would emerge 'very soon'.

Ms Lau said she had heard nothing from the mainland authorities about her husband's case since early this month.

She said she applied early last month to visit Ching. She lodged her application with the Hong Kong Security Bureau, which was to refer it to the mainland. The bureau said yesterday it would not comment on individual cases.

'We are still awaiting the reply from the mainland. According to mainland law, there is a possibility for my husband to receive family members,' Ms Lau said.

Under the mainland's Criminal Procedure Law, suspects held under house arrest are not allowed visitors without approval from law enforcement agencies.