He was initially charged with drug trafficking and jailed. Then later sentenced to death.
This case was highly controversial and gradually made its way up the political leaderdship in US leading to the prisoner swap.
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/housto...ese-prison
While the american media reported as if the person is just falsely charged without evidence, there is some evidence against the man.
While western justice system require evidence "beyond reasonable doubt", which sometimes allow people who appear to be guilty to be release, the chinese system has a lower threshold. The accused was at various sites used by conspirators. I would there is a reasonble chance he is part of the syndicate and the portrayal of Chinese arresting a man who has absolutely nothing to do with the crime incorrect. In a US court such a person would certainly be relased due to a lack of evidence.
Singapore often has to face criticism when we decide to use the dwath penalty criminals from countries without death penalty. While this get played by the media in the criminal's home cointries it does not get elevate.
I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.