U.S. releases Chinese cult leader

HAGATNA, Guam -- The United States has released a Chinese religious leader detained since January 2000.

Zhang Hongbao, founder of the Zhonggong religious movement, after he attempted to enter the U.S. territory with a false visa.

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He was set free on bail one day before a U.S. delegation was set to meet with Chinese officials in Beijing, to discuss the recent mid-air collision involving a U.S. spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet.

That incident subsequently led to an 11-day standoff, where China refused to release the plane's crewmembers. The plane itself, an EP-3E is still in Chinese hands.

Wanted man

Zhong is wanted in China because the government alleges that he committed what it has called criminal acts.

His movement was founded in the early 1990's, and, like the Falun Gong spiritual movement, has been branded a cult by the Chinese government.

Zhang's attorney, Robert Shapiro, says his client is hoping to go to the United States to pursue an appeal for political asylum.

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