Wumart tycoon's conviction thrown out

Timeline of Zhang case

· Nov 12, 2006: Zhang Wenzhong, former chairman of Wumei Holdings, which operates one of China's biggest retail chains, Wumart, was probed for graft by discipline authorities. Zhang later resigned from Wumei.

· Dec 25, 2007: Prosecutors in Hengshui, Hebei province, formally charged Zhang with fraud, embezzlement and bribery.

· Oct 9, 2008: The Hengshui Intermediate People's Court sentenced Zhang to 18 years in prison for fraud, embezzlement and bribery, with a fine of 500,000 yuan ($78,038). Zhang appealed to a higher court.

· March 30, 2009: The Hebei High People's Court changed the original judgment and made a final ruling in which Zhang was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the three crimes, with a fine of 500,000 yuan.

· Feb 6, 2013: Zhang was released after serving time in prison. During the days behind bars, Zhang twice received commutations.

· December 2015: The court in Hebei rejected Zhang's appeal.

· October 2016: Zhang appealed to the Supreme People's Court.

· Dec 27, 2017: The top court decided to retry Zhang's case.

· Feb 12: The top court publicly reheard the case.

· May 31: Zhang's name was cleared, about 10 years after being pronounced guilty.