Former senior provincial official stands trial for bribery

Qian Yin'an, a senior official in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, stood trial for taking bribes at a court in the southern province of Guangdong Thursday.

Qian, a former member of the Standing Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and secretary-general of the CPC provincial committee, was charged with accepting money and property worth over 63.13 million yuan (about US$8.96 million).

He allegedly took advantage of a number of his posts between 2001 and 2017 to benefit other organizations and individuals in project contracting and construction as well as job promotions.

The prosecutors, defendant and his lawyers cross-examined evidence and gave their own full accounts, according to a court statement.

In his final statement, Qian pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

The trial was attended by more than 50 people including legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public.

The verdict will be announced at a later date.