China: Close ally of Zhou Yongkang sentenced to 12 years in prison

(Baonghean.vn) - On November 3, Xinhua news agency reported that a Chinese court sentenced Li Chongxi - a close ally of former Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang - to 12 years in prison for corruption - who was sentenced to life in prison in June.

Li Chongxi. Photo: Reuters

On June 11, 2015, the Tianjin City Court (China) sentenced former Minister of Public Security Zhou Yongkang to life in prison for bribery, abuse of power and intentional disclosure of state secrets. Li Chongxi is one of Zhou Yongkang's "cronies" who also faces punishment for corruption.

Li was promoted to deputy party secretary of Sichuan Province and head of the province’s anti-corruption agency during Zhou Yongkang’s tenure in Sichuan. Li Chongxi was later appointed chairman of the Sichuan Provincial Political Consultative Conference, a government-affiliated opposition body.

Xinhua said Mr. Li abused his power in Sichuan, directly or through his wife, to receive money and goods worth about 11.1 million yuan ($1.75 million). Mr. Li was prosecuted in April.

The newspaper also added that in court, Mr. Li "confessed his guilt and expressed remorse", thereby reducing his sentence.

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters)