A prominent Chinese legal scholar whose rights group has tackled some of China's most politically sensitive cases and his office assistant have been released on bail as authorities investigate possible tax charges against the group.

His detention appeared part of a widening crackdown against activist lawyers and non-governmental organizations in China. Several non-governmental groups have been hassled by police in the lead-up to the 60th anniversary of the Communist Party's rule — a politically important celebration Oct. 1 to be marked by a military parade.

Last month, more than 50 Beijing lawyers, many of whom focus on politically sensitive human rights issues, had their licenses revoked. Xu has been at the forefront of legal reform and public interest law in China through the group he co-founded, Gongmeng, or the Open Constitution Initiative.

Xu Zhiyong was detained July 29 along with his assistant Zhuang Lu who also worked at the legal aid group. Xu was formally arrested Aug. 12 on charges of evading taxes. He told The Associated Press he was released on bail Sunday and Zhuang was released the day before.

He said the university where he teaches, the Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications, guaranteed his bail. His lawyer, Zhou Ze, said the case has yet to be sent to prosecutors.

"I think the tax evasion charge does not hold water," Zhou said. "We need to wait and see what will happen next." Read more >>

***

Related links:

Human rights lawyer arrested on tax evasion charges
22 dairy firms to pay $160m in compensation
China voices: the nationalist activist

Warning：The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.