THE NEW YORK TIMES INTERNATIONAL

Friday, November 8, 1996

FREED CHINESE DISSIDENT IS PUT UNDER STRICT CURBS

Beijing, Nov. 7 (AP) - A leading Chinese dissident who was

freed on Wednesday, apparently in anticipation of a visit

here by Secretary of State Warrwn Christopher, was under

virtual house arrest today, unable to leave home or see doctors

without permission and a police escort, his sister said. The

dissident, Chen Ziming, 44 who suffers from cancer and other

ailments and who was paroled from 13-year jail term, met today

with relatives, the only people who have been allowed to see him,

his sister, Chen Zihua, said. "It's more or less like moving the

prison," she said. "He has practically no freedom. He can only

move around his home."It is unclear whether Mr. Chen will be taken

back to prison if his health improves, his sister added.