Chen Man, a 52-year-old former prisoner who was wrongly convicted, has returned home after more than two decades behind bars. He is now demanding more than a million dollars as compensation for his time in jail. 

Innocent man

Chen was released from Meilan Prison in Hainan last month after a 23-year sentence. He had been accused of killing an employee of a property management company and burning down the house rented for him, People's Daily reported. 

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Chen's former landlord, Zhong Zhuokuan, died in the fire.  In November of 1994, Chen was convicted of murder and arson. The court initially gave him a suspended death penalty which was upheld in 1999. He appealed that he was tortured by the police resulting in a false confession. 

He was ultimately acquitted and released on February 1, 2016. 

In return

Chen's lawyer told Xinhua on Thursday that he has filed a request for compensation to the Higher People's Court of Hainan. Chen is demanding a total of ¥9.66 million (roughly $1.5 million) on the basis of his "personal suffering, mental anguish, and health care costs." 

In detail, Chen wants ¥3.71 million ($571,000) for loss of work, ¥3 million ($460,000) for psychological trauma, ¥1.85 million ($280,000) for deprivation of personal freedom, ¥1 million ($150,000) for legal costs, and ¥100,000 ($15,000) for medical costs. 

He also wants a public apology from the court. 

An unnamed court official told Xinhua that the court has not yet received the claim.

"When we receive it, we will handle it carefully in accordance with the laws," the official said.

TagsChen Man, wrong conviction, murder and arson in Hainan, innocent man released, Supreme Court of China