Southern Metropolis Daily general manager Yu Huafeng and Li Minying sentenced in first instance
On March 19, 2004, Guangdong courts sentenced Southern Metropolis Daily general manager Yu Huafeng to 12 years and Li Minying to 11 years in first instance for embezzlement, bribery and other crimes; editor-in-chief Cheng Yizhong was arrested the same day and released without charge about 4 months later, and the sentences of Yu and Li were later substantially reduced.