An innocent man who was put behind bars 23 years ago finally walked free on Monday after a court invalidated his murder and arson conviction because of insufficient evidence. He was released from a prison in Hainan province.

Chen Man, from Sichuan Province, was jailed in 1992 for allegedly burning down a house in which a man died. He received a 2-year suspended death sentence in 1994. However, following a number of appeals, the court found that there is not enough evidence to maintain the verdict thus ordering his release, according to China Daily.

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Chen was happy with the latest ruling and was thrilled to come home to his parents, who are already in the 80s, in time of the Spring Festival. On the other hand, his lawyer Wang Wanqiong also expressed excitement over Chen's release, claiming that this marks a progress of China's rule of law.

"The correction of my client's verdict shows that judicial bodies in our country have changed their ideas about dealing with cases where there is doubt," Wang stated.

Meanwhile, Hainan High People's Court officials bowed and apologized to Chen on Monday, adding that Chen could apply for a State compensation.

Last Monday, in the Inner Mongolia region, 27 officials including judges, prosecutors and police officers were penalized after wrongfully executing a teenager - who was 18 years old at the time - for allegedly raping and murdering a woman in a textile store's comfort room. 

Former deputy head of the local security bureau Feng Zhiming, who was in charge of Hugjiltu's case, has been placed under investigation for job-related crimes. While the other 26 officials will reportedly receive administrative punishment such as record of demerit and admonitions.

Beijing Normal University legal researcher Yuan Ningning said that revealing those who commit mistakes in the case carries "symbolic meanings". He further suggested that new policies should be implemented regarding court procedures and verdicts.

Tagschina, china justice system, Chen Man, Sichuan Province, innocent man, case dismissal