Chinese court rejects Bo Xilai's appeal

On October 25, Xinhua News Agency reported that a high court in Shandong province, China, announced the rejection of the appeal of former Chongqing Party Secretary Bo Xilai and upheld the original verdict.

Previously on September 22, Mr. Bo was sentenced to life in prison by the Intermediate People's Court in Jinan City, Shandong Province for corruption, bribery and abuse of power.

Bo Xilai during a trial at the Jinan Intermediate People's Court. Photo: AP

Bo Xilai, 64, was charged with corruption based on testimony from his wife, Gu Kailai, and former Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun. Gu Kailai had previously been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for the murder of British businessman Heywood.

After the first instance verdict was announced, Mr. Bo filed an appeal, and in early October, the Supreme Court in Shandong Province accepted his appeal.

On October 24, the day before the verdict was announced, security was stepped up around the Shandong Supreme People's Court. Security forces were deployed and barricades were set up in front of the courthouse. Nearby vendors were asked to close their shops on October 25.

Under Chinese law, Mr. Bo will not be able to file any formal appeals. Although he can file a “petition” with China’s highest court, the court is not required to hear the case.

According to VOV