House arrest victim to get state compensation(2)

Investigators have entrusted doctors with the Harbin Medical University to give Chen a health check, which showed that her current disability was from a relapse of a back injury, which she sustained in a street accident in 1990.

Investigators found no evidence suggesting Chen was physically abused during her house arrest.

According to the investigation team, Chen's medical bills during her detention have been paid by the district government.

Chen needs to go through a legal procedure to get the state compensation.

Although the exact sum of Chen's compensation is not yet known,investigators said in addition to the money, Chen can expect all future medical bills of her husband and herself as well as their living expenses covered by the government. The district government will provide an apartment for the couple to live, and continue efforts of looking for their son.

Chen's case has triggered a nationwide outcry to reform the re-education system. Known in Chinese as "laojiao," the system established in the 1950s to consolidate the newly founded republic and rectify social order, allows police to detain people, usually charged with minor offenses, for up to four years without an open trial.

According to the national political and legal work conference that concluded on Jan. 8, the government will push the reform of the system this year.

Several provinces including Guangdong and Yunnan have announced their plans to end the system this year.