NW Chinese procuratorate accuses journalist of racketeering

Investigators in northwest China's Gansu Province have accused a newspaper reporter of racketeering in response to the arrest of three journalists in January.

Zhang Yongsheng of the Lanzhou Morning Post gained 5,000 yuan (760 U.S. dollars) from blackmail, the procuratorate said Saturday, citing "clear evidence" such as a confession and video records.

Zhang has been using negative news to blackmail organizations and individuals since 2009, it said.

Police in Wuwei city detained Zhang on Jan. 7 for soliciting a prostitute, but investigated further into the blackmail case after a tip-off, according to the procuratorate.

The procuratorate said the prostitution charge on Zhang lacked evidence and suggested he be released on bail.

Three reporters from three local newspapers were reported missing in Wuwei on Jan. 7. On Jan. 9, local police said Zhang was detained for prostitution, but said days later that the three were detained on racketeering charges.

Responding to suspicions raised online, the procuratorate launched an investigation in late January, and said it has invited a journalist, a lawyer and two legislators to monitor the probe.

The two other reporters have been released on bail. Endi