Zhao’s arrest is tied to an article in The Times on September 7, 2004, that disclosed that former President Jiang Zemin had offered to relinquish his last leadership position, as head of the military. The article, which proved accurate when Jiang later quit, infuriated top leaders, who forbid any news coverage of the inner workings of the party. A high-level investigation was begun to determine the source of the leak.

Zhao’s case has brought widespread criticism on China from international human rights groups at a time when China is emphasising the development of its legal system. The United States, arguing that the case lacks merit, has called on China to release Zhao. President Bush has twice made a personal appeal on his behalf.JIM YARDLEY