HONG KONG, Feb 6 (AP) -- Mainland Chinese police on Sunday defended their arrest and treatment of a Hong Kong pro-democracy politician who claimed he was denied proper medical care while detained for allegedly hiring a prostitute.

Police in southern China's Dongguan city said facts showed that district councilor Ho Wai-to paid for sex, and that he received "good humanitarian treat ment" during his detention.

Ho was arrested in August and sentenced without trial to six months of "re-education through labor."

He was released ahead of time last month for good behavior.

Ho has denied the charge, saying the alleged prostitute was a friend and that he had earlier confessed because he lacked legal help and because his wife had asked him to do so.

Ho accused Chinese authorities of withholding pills for his hepatitis, and of improperly dealing with his skin illness.

In a statement, Dongguan police said Ho was caught in a routine anti-vice operation and had confessed.

It said authorities gave him "special care" in his diet, living conditions and medical attention, even arranging for counseling when he appeared overly stressed because his family did not visit on time.

The statement said Ho received six medical checkups and medication for his illnesses.

It accused him of "distorting the truth" and "misleading the public," and threatened unspecified further action if he did not "clarify" his allegations against the Chinese police.