Chinese political activist, Xu Wanping, was released from jail after almost 20 years in prison and labor camps. Reports said his release was the result of his "good behavior" although Xu suffered poor health conditions while in prison.

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Xu's release came at a time in which activists and scholars have been discussing the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre on June 4.

By far, a multi-awarded Chinese journalist, Gao Yun, is the latest person to have been reported as missing. Friends said they haven't heard from Gao Yun since Thursday.

Several government critics have recently been reported as being detained ahead of the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Chinese authorities have prohibited its citizens from discussing the June 4th event, warning that those who violate it will suffer the severe punishment of the law.

The Chinese government has been criticized for silencing its citizens by arresting and detaining suspected dissidents ahead of important occasions. During the Beijing Olympics, reports said the police detained many people believed to be dissidents.

Reports said Xu was organizing an independent labor union when he was arrested by Chinese police and was detained for eight years. His imprisonment came months after the 1989 Tiananmen student protests took place that ended in the death of thousands.

Reports said the June 4th student protest's death toll reached in the thousands. Xu was jailed for eight years following the 1989 Tiananmen protests for putting up an independent labor group in which Chinese police branded as "counter revolutionary group." In 1988, he served three years in jail for reportedly inciting a disturbance.

Chinese authorities have prohibited its citizens to talk about the massacre warning that those who violate the law will be dealt with, with the severe penalties including imprisonment.

Human rights in China, said Xu suffered from many ailments including digestive and prostate problems while in jail. Reports said he was also disallowed to seek medical attention for his health problems.