More Corruption on Trial

[Randy W]

from the NY Times

Billionaire’s Closely Watched Murder and Corruption Trial Opens in China

 

Judges on Monday began hearing arguments in the closely watched murder and corruption trial of Liu Han, a powerful billionaire from western China accused of running a criminal network to build his fortune.

 

Political analysts say the trial is an outgrowth of efforts to investigate an even more powerful target — Zhou Yongkang, a former Politburo Standing Committee member who ran China’s sprawling domestic security apparatus for a decade, until his retirement in 2012. Mr. Zhou was also a senior figure in the oil industry and from 1999 to 2002 was party chief in Sichuan Province, where Mr. Liu lived and made his fortune through mining, real estate and other industries.

 

Mr. Liu’s trial is being scrutinized for connections between his activities and Mr. Zhou. Prosecutors in the court in the city of Xianning, in Hubei Province, announced Monday at least 18 criminal charges against Mr. Liu and his younger brother, Liu Wei, according to a microblog post by the court. The charges include murder, extortion, illegal detention, destruction of property, harboring criminals and illegal possession and trade of firearms. Thirty-four of Liu Han’s associates are also being tried.

 

The trial is taking place in Hubei Province presumably to shield it from Liu Han’s influence, which was widespread in Sichuan. The trial is expected to continue for days or even weeks. The 36 defendants are being tried in five courtrooms; all of the cases opened Monday.

 

 

 

Some more perspective on the present situation

 

Zhou Decline Watch: Comparison with Bo Xilai

 

Tracking the downfall of one of the most feared men in China.