New York, February 4, 2008—PEN American Center welcomes the news that Fuzhou-based journalist Li Changqing was released upon expiration of his three-year sentence on February 2, 2008. As deputy news director of the Fuzhou Daily, Li was arrested on December 16, 2004. He was detained without trial for more than a year and finally sentenced on January 24, 2006 by the Gulou district court in southern China’s Fuzhou city for “spreading false and alarmist information.” With Mr. Li’s release, the number of writers imprisoned in China now stands at 40 with 185 days remaining before the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games.

Larry Siems, (212) 334-1660 ext. 105