A Boston jury today found a man accused of secretly gathering information on behalf of China not guilty.
Voice of America reports the federal jury acquitted Litang Liang, 65, of charges that he acted as an unregistered Chinese agent.
“Justice has finally arrived,” Liang said outside the courtroom to reporters.
According to the South China Morning Post, prosecutors alleged Laing gathered intelligence on Chinese dissidents living in the Boston area.
Liang said he merely expressed views that might be in agreement with China, but denied working directly with the foreign government.
“This is an important case for anyone who believes in the preservation of our constitutional right to free speech, to free association and to hold any political opinion,” said defense lawyer Derege Demissie.
The Justice Department has made an effort in recent years to stop harassment of foreign political dissidents living in the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Kistner said in closing arguments that Liang provided information to China about individuals with pro-Taiwanese sympathies, AOL reported.
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