Beijing (AsiaNews) - Chen Guangcheng, a blind
dissident, who escaped from the control of the regime April 22 last, left the
U.S. Embassy in Beijing
moments ago, Chinese and American sources confirm. It is not clear what
prompted the activist to leave the diplomatic shelter, but his flight has already
sparked a series of arrests and harassment of his friends and family [see. Arrests
and detentions for Chen Guangcheng's relatives and friends. Clinton in Beijing]
According to a brief statement posted on Xinhua, Chen "has left the
embassy of his own will. He entered 6 days ago but chose to leave." According
to a U.S.
official, Chen was accompanied to a hospital for a few controls and "will soon
meet with his family."
The escape of Chen Guangcheng had embarrassed both Beijing
and Washington,
engaged in the preparation of the annual high-level economic and military talks.
Today Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in the Chinese capital for
these meetings, which should start tomorrow morning.