Protest Organizer Freed, an Activist in U.S. Says
A jailed organizer of massive 2002 labor protests has been freed, in a sign that China might be considering a resumption of early releases for prisoners in response to foreign lobbying, a U.S.-based activist said.
Xiao Yunliang’s release comes as Chinese President Hu Jintao prepares to visit Washington in April.
Xiao was released Thursday after his sentence was cut by 24 days, said John Kamm, executive director of the Dui Hua Foundation based in San Francisco.
“I think it’s a sign of China’s intention to ... discuss with the United States such things as early releases and other human rights issues,” Kamm said.
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