Tiananmen protester released after 17 years-USA Today

On Deadline-A man who was jailed for throwing paint on Mao Zedong's portrait in Beijing's Tiananmen Square during pro-democracy protests in 1989 has been released after nearly 17 years in prison, the Associated Press reports from Beijing. His family confirmed the news.

AP notes that Yu Dongyue's release early Wednesday came ahead of a U.S. visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao in April. But, according to the AP,

t, wit did not appear to be meant as a gesture to Washington: Yu served his full sentence, unlike other prisoners who have released early in connection with diplomatic trips.

Reporters without Borders says Yu, now 38, "left jail a broken man." The Globe and Mail says he suffered "beatings, torture and solitary confinement" and "is reported to be incoherent and unable to communicate."

"His health is OK, but mentally he is traumatized," his brother, Yu Xiyue, said to the AP by phone from Shegang.

Maybe the future for the Gitmo detainees if the rethugs stay in power!

Semper Fi