Hong Kong ex-leader Tsang released after serving sentence

Former Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, second from left, and his wife Selina walk past journalists as he is released from a hospital at the end of his prison sentence in Hong Kong Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Tsang was released Tuesday after serving time in prison for failing to disclose plans to rent a luxury apartment from a businessman granted a government broadcasting license during Tsang’s time in office. Apple Daily via AP

HONG KONG — Former Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang has been released after serving time in prison for failing to disclose plans to rent a luxury apartment from a businessman applying for a broadcasting license.

Tsang was freed Tuesday. His conviction was a stunning downfall for the man who served as Hong Kong’s chief executive from 2005 to 2012.

The 74-year-old Tsang is the highest-ranking former or current official sent to prison for wrongdoing in the Asian financial hub, which prides itself on a reputation for clean governance.

Hong Kong’s Justice Department decided last month not to prosecute former Chief Executive C.Y. Leung for a similar failure to declare an interest. Leung is now a vice chairman in China’s legislature. /kga