A man who, along with his brother, kidnapped a woman in Guangzhou in 2009 to raise money to pay the medical fees of his critically ill mother has been released, Information Times reports.

Zhang talks about being released, courtesy of Information Times

After kidnapping the woman and engaging in a stand-off with authorities in Baiyun District’s San Yuan Li, elder brother Zhang Fangshu was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months in prison. He had to “see off” his mother via webcam when she died in 2010.

On Wednesday, his last day in prison, Zhang could not help but sob when talking about his mother. He told media: “These years in prison have given me a chance to confess to my crimes and admit my mistakes.”

Zhang entered Lechan prison in April 2010. He was given a commutation on Feb 29 last year and another on May 22 as well as getting 35 awards and 5 appraisals. Zhang passed all assessments without dropping one point, according to Deputy Prison Warden Mr. Li.

He had mixed feelings about his early release. “I don’t feel like going out of here as much as when I first came. Don’t get me wrong. I am happy to be out, but without my mother at home, there is nothing waiting for me,” said Zhang.

Zhang told the reporter he would find a job in Guangdong instead of going back to his hometown right away because he could not yet afford the fare and other expenses.

He emphasised that his willingness to talk to the media was due to his desire to make it clear how sorry he was. “I hope people can understand me. I feel really guilty about my crime. I still remember the girl’s name and her looks. Hopefully, I can apologise to her in person”, he said.