Wumart tycoon's conviction thrown out
Timeline of Zhang case
· Nov 12, 2006: Zhang Wenzhong, former chairman of Wumei Holdings, which operates one of China's biggest retail chains, Wumart, was probed for graft by discipline authorities. Zhang later resigned from Wumei.
· Dec 25, 2007: Prosecutors in Hengshui, Hebei province, formally charged Zhang with fraud, embezzlement and bribery.
· Oct 9, 2008: The Hengshui Intermediate People's Court sentenced Zhang to 18 years in prison for fraud, embezzlement and bribery, with a fine of 500,000 yuan ($78,038). Zhang appealed to a higher court.
· March 30, 2009: The Hebei High People's Court changed the original judgment and made a final ruling in which Zhang was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the three crimes, with a fine of 500,000 yuan.
· Feb 6, 2013: Zhang was released after serving time in prison. During the days behind bars, Zhang twice received commutations.
· December 2015: The court in Hebei rejected Zhang's appeal.
· October 2016: Zhang appealed to the Supreme People's Court.
· Dec 27, 2017: The top court decided to retry Zhang's case.
· Feb 12: The top court publicly reheard the case.
· May 31: Zhang's name was cleared, about 10 years after being pronounced guilty.
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