Dickinson College librarian Song Yongyi, who was imprisoned by Chinese authorities on charges of illegally gathering documents on behalf of foreign interests, was reportedly freed January 28. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) told the Associated Press he learned of Song’s release during a meeting that morning with Chinese Ambassador Li Zhao Xing.
The news that Song had been freed came just three days after a spokesperson from Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said the librarian had confessed to theft of Chinese state secrets and “materials forbidden to be transferred abroad.”
At a news conference, Specter distributed a statement from Li saying that Song “admitted all the facts related to his criminal activities,” adding that Song’s case was treated with leniency because of his “repentance.” Specter said he had been told Song would be allowed to board a flight to the United States within 24 hours.
Song was detained with his wife in August 1999. His wife, Helen Yao, was allowed to return to the United States in November.
Posted January 31, 2000.