In April 2005 Ching Cheong, Hong Kong based Chief China correspondent of the Straits Times was accused of spying for Taiwan and sentenced to 5years in prison. Last night, with no warning - Ching Cheong was released.

Cheong spent just over 1000 days in prison for what his supporters say was nothing more than peacefully carrying out his job as a journalist.

Cheong was apprehended whilst conducting research in Guangzhou, and waited one and a half years before he was even prosecuted. The charge laid against him; 'spying on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency and divulging state secrets'.

An appeal had been lodged for Cheong's release on medical grounds. The Hong Kong Journalist Association wrote and open letter to Chinese Premier, Hu Jintao about Cheong's medical conditions and called for his release. There are reports that whilst in prison Cheong was forced to wake at 6am and make uniforms sometimes until 10pm.

The detention of Ching Cheong was alarming at the time and recent crackdowns seem to indicate a trend that China is getting even tougher on those who express their opinions in the press and online. This makes the release of Cheong even more unexpected. Especially when compared to the other events of the day; According to Reporters Without Borders cyber-dissident Lü Gengsong was sentenced to 4 years in prison for “inciting subversion of state authority.” Lü had already spent 10 months in pre-trial detention. The inconsistencies are worrying and the denial of freedom of expression is frightening. Gensong had been posting internet articles about corruption in China. He is reportedly denied a lawyer for the all too common reason in China 'the case contains information deemed to be state secrets'.

We can only hope that the release of Ching Cheong is a step in the right direction for China living up to its Olympic commitment that there would be 'free and unrestricted media access' in China and that this decision bodes well for Lu Gengsong and the other approximately 83 people known to be imprisoned in China simply for expressing their opinion in print or online. The next case we will watch very closely is that of recently imprisoned blogger and human rights supporter, Hu Jia.

Watch footage of Hu Jia's wife, Zeng Jinyan under house arrest.

Take action to support Hu Jia.