Is Zhao Lianhai free?
Speculation over the whereabouts of the mainland milk activist intensified yesterday after a statement appeared on his personal internet blog saying he was now on medical parole.
A Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress said he had heard unconfirmed news that Zhao had been released.
Zhou - father of a child affected by melamine-tainted milk and the organiser of a parents' group seeking redress for victims - was jailed last month for 21/2 years for 'provoking quarrels and making trouble'.
The sentencing of a man hailed a hero for his efforts on behalf of affected families sparked outrage internationally and in Hong Kong and led to protests outside his home, during which Hong Kong journalists were attacked.
The entry on Zhao's blog said he had admitted guilt, wanted to apologise to the central government for his 'radical remarks' and agreed with his sentence. But supporters said it did not sound like him and suspected it might have been penned by the authorities.
'I am now on medical parole and am undergoing treatment in hospital. I refuse contact with anybody and do not want anybody to disturb my family. I want to lead a normal life,' the entry read. 'I hope people who are concerned about me won't talk too much about my case. I hope my incident can be quietened down. This will be good for the country and society, as well as for my family.'