Huawei responds to mistaken detainment of former staffer

A former Huawei employee detained in Shenzhen for 251 days on suspicion of extortion has been released and received 100,000 yuan ($42,611) in state compensation.

Li Hongyuan, who worked at Huawei for 12 years and had asked for 300,000 yuan in severance compensation, was sued by the company for extortion.

After being detained for 251 days by the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau, he was acquitted, and received 100,000 yuan in state compensation.

A few days ago, Li's experience was posted online and set the internet buzzing.

In response, Huawei said on Monday the company has the right and obligation to report suspected illegal activities based on the facts to judicial authorities and that the company respects decisions from the judicial authorities, including the public security organ, the procuratorate and the court. If Li Hongyuan believes his rights have been impaired, the company supports his use of legal means to defend his rights, including suing Huawei; that reflects the spirit of the law that everyone is equal before the law.

Li joined Huawei in 2005, and left in January 2018. After negotiation, the company agreed to pay Li 331,576.73 yuan as departure compensation.

In March, 2018, Li received the money from a secretary who worked with Li in his department.

On Dec16, 2018, Li was detained by the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau on suspicion of extortion, and was arrested on Jan 22, 2019 following a report from his former department manager.

On Aug 23, Li was acquitted when the Shenzhen Longgang district people's procuratorate decided not to prosecute him due to unclear facts and insufficient evidence.

On Oct 24, Li asked the Shenzhen Longgang district people's procuratorate to remove the influence, rehabilitate the reputation, and make an apology, as well as pay compensation of 78,985 yuan in personal liberty damages and 50,000 yuan in emotional damages, based on the grounds of "insufficient evidence for arrest, and then stopping the investigation for criminal responsibility".

On Nov 25, the Shenzhen Longgang district people's procuratorate decided to give state compensation to Li, awarding 79,300.94 yuan for personal liberty damage and 27,755 yuan for emotional damage, as well as sent a letter to Huawei and his father's company to remove any stain to his reputation caused by the detainment.