Former provincial political advisor stands trial for bribery

A former senior political advisor from central China's Hubei Province on Thursday stood trial for taking bribes, at a city court in neighboring Henan Province.

Liu Shanqiao, former vice chairman of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was charged of accepting money and property worth of more than 17.9 million yuan (US$2.75 million) from 2009 to 2017, according to prosecutors.

He used his position to help organizations and individuals do business, get government contracts and gain personal promotions.

The prosecutors, defendant and his lawyers cross-examined evidence and gave their own full accounts, said a statement from the city court of Nanyang in Henan.

Liu confessed and expressed remorse at the court.

Legislators, political advisors, media and members of the public attended the trial. The court will announce the verdict at a later date.