ELEANOR HALL: The Chinese father who became an activist when his son was poisoned by powdered milk has been released from prison.
Zhao Lianhai received a two and half year jail term was charged with "creating a disturbance".
Chinese authorities have now released him on medical parole.
But as China correspondent Stephen McDonell reports his supporters say he's been forced into making statements of regret about his previous comments.
STEPHEN MCDONNELL: Two years ago Chinese milk producers added the potentially harmful chemical melamine to their products. This was designed to artificially boost protein levels in infant milk formula.
Three hundred thousand children became sick and six babies died. Many of the children developed kidney stones including Zhao Lianhai's son.
This would turn an average man into something of a grassroots activist - a dangerous thing to be in China.
Zhao Lianhai lobbied for better compensation for the parents of sick children. His campaigning also brought him into contact with a range of people whose grievances went beyond the milk scandal. He started offering them support too.
For his activist behaviour Mr Zhao was detained for a year and then last month received a two and half year jail term. His crime was that of "creating a disturbance".
Well what a difference a month makes. Zhao Lianhai has apparently been released from jail on medical parole.
He wrote on his blog: "I support, acknowledge and thank the government and I express deep regret for my previous extreme opinions towards the government".
If he did write this his supporters believe that Zhao Lianhai was coerced into it. But if making such statements in China can get you out of jail then who wouldn't make them?
The comments attributed to him also say that he's being treated in hospital and does not want to have contact with people any more.
At a press conference in Beijing last night AM asked the vice president of the Supreme People's Court Xiong Xuanguo if he could understand the concern people have had with this case.
XIONG XUANGUO (translated): The case of Zhao Lianhai is a case that is sentenced by relevant court in Beijing. And for the specifics and details of this case I would like to suggest you to refer this question to the local court in Beijing.
STEPHEN MCDONNELL: Zhao Lianhai's case is designed to be a lesson to all would-be activists here as was that of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo.
But every time the government throws somebody in prison because of what they say they do lose credibility with their people.
This is Stephen McDonell in Beijing for AM.
