Li Hongyuan, a former employee at Huawei for 13 years, was reportedly arrested on extortion charges and detained for 8 months after demanding severance pay from the company. Li was released because of “unclear criminal facts and insufficient evidence”.

Huawei has been criticized for its treatment of a longtime employee and come under fire as members of the public rallied behind Li.

Huawei said in a statement that it encouraged Li “to use any and all legal measures, including suing the company, in order to safeguard his own rights”.