Yu Huafeng, of Guangzhou-based newspaper Nanfang Dushi Bao, served a third of what was originally a 12-year sentence for graft, Reporters Without Borders said in a press release.

'Mr Yu's release, obtained thanks to the efforts of thousands of Chinese journalists, comes just two days after the release of Mr Ching Cheong and clearly shows that campaigns of support for imprisoned journalists and cyber-dissidents can be successful,' Reporters Without Borders said in a statement.

Mr Ching, a reporter from Hong Kong, was released from a Chinese prison after serving nearly three years for espionage activities.

'The campaigning for the release of other prisoners of conscience, including Hu Jia, must be stepped up before the Olympic Games,' the Friday statement said, referring to a prominent rights activist charged with incitement to subvert state power.

Reporters Without Borders and other human rights advocates say China is trying to stamp out dissent ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August.

The watchdog said Mr Yu was released early on Friday so that he could spend the Lunar New Year with his family.

'Reporters Without Borders pays tribute to Mr Yu, who headed one of China's most independent and innovative dailies,' it said in a statement.

'He was the victim of a conspiracy by officials in Guangdong province who wanted to punish the newspaper for its outspoken reports, including its exposure of the death of a student in a police station.'

Mr Yu and the newspaper's managing editor, Li Minying, were arrested in January 2004 and sentenced to 12 and 11 years in prison respectively for alleged corruption,' Reporters Without Borders said, adding both subsequently had their terms slashed.

'You can manipulate the law but not history,' Mr Yu was reported saying when his sentence was reduced on appeal in May 2004.

More than 2,300 Chinese journalists signed a petition for their release in 2005, pointing out that all they did was award some employees bonuses linked to an increase in the newspaper's earnings from advertising, the watchdog said. -- AFP