Family of executed Hunan businessman vows to seek justice

The family of a Hunan businessman put to death in a "secret and hasty" execution vowed to keep fighting for justice yesterday as his cremated remains were returned home.

The ashes of former property tycoon Zeng Chengjie were brought back to his home village of Yangshiao four days after he was executed by firing squad for illegally raising 3.4 billion yuan (HK$4.3 billion) and defrauding investors.

The execution has ignited a public outcry because Zeng's relatives, who had been fighting to overturn his conviction, were not notified before the sentence was carried out on Friday.

Zeng's family said they would continue to press for an explanation, while also seeking the release of Zeng's widow and elder daughter, who are both serving prison time for related crimes.

"I can only sleep two hours a day at most, but I have a very strong spirit," said Zeng Xian, 25, the businessman's son.

"I won't rest until I can get a reasonable response over the illegal procedures in my dad's case and his being executed without notifying us."