Zhao Zhengyong, former chief of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a former senior national legislator, pleaded guilty to taking bribes as he stood trial on Monday at the First Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin Municipality.
Zhao was accused of abusing his powers in former positions he held between 2003 and 2018 in Shaanxi to seek benefits for certain organizations and individuals in project contracting, job promotion or transfer, business operation and other matters.
Zhao Zhengyong stands trial for taking bribes at the First Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin Municipality in Tianjin, north China, May 11, 2020. /The First Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin Municipality
In return, Zhao accepted money and valuables worth over 717 million yuan (about 101.3 million U.S. dollars), including 291 million yuan he has not received, according to the prosecutors.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence which Zhao and his defense attorneys examined. Both sides have fully expressed their opinions, according to the court.
Zhao expressed remorse in his final statement.
The trial was attended by legislators, political advisers, press and members of the public. The verdict will be announced at a later date.
Speaking to CGTN, Liu Suhua, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee said "behaviors of officials who talk the talk without walking the walk are against the fundamental purpose of the CPC."
Serving the people wholeheartedly is the fundamental purpose of CPC as a ruling Party, Liu stressed.
(With input from Xinhua)