A British cult follower who was detained for a week by Chinese officials said today he had been released after authorities found no evidence against him.
Wayne Tang, a 51-year-old businessman who also holds British citizenship, was arrested in Shenzhen which borders Hong Kong on suspicion of organising Falun Gong activities in China, where the group is banned as an “evil cult”.
Tang said he was released by the State Security Bureau in Shenzhen yesterday and immediately returned to Hong Kong. He said mainland officials found no evidence against him after searching his home and office.
Tang confirmed he practised Falun Gong but denied organising activities with mainland followers. Beijing is seeking to eradicate Falun Gong through a campaign that the group says has left hundreds of people dead.
Tang said he was arrested on November 13 at the offices of a fashion design company owned by relatives in Shenzhen. Three employees were detained for possessing Falun Gong materials, Tang said.
Tang and a Falun Gong spokeswoman, Sophie Xiao, said they did not know whether the employees were released.