CBS TV Reporter detained in China, released after two days

CHINA–CBS Television producer Natalie Liu was detained by Chinese officials and held for more than two days in early September, apparently for failing to register as an accredited journalist in China.

According to CBS spokesman Kevin Tedesco, the reason Liu was held for such an extended period of time — from 11 a.m. on a Wednesday to 6 p.m. on a Friday — was not known. Liu “was released and allowed to resume her plans to visit her husband in the states,” Tedesco said. He added that notebooks, videotapes and film from Liu’s apartment were also confiscated but is not sure if and when those items will be returned.

Liu is a legal permanent resident of the United States, but holds a Chinese passport. According to a Washington Post report, Liu was taken from her Beijing apartment in handcuffs and later questioned for 16 hours by Chinese officials who treated her “politely.”

Liu has returned to the U.S. and Tedesco said he does not anticipate her returning to China anytime soon.