General gets life for taking huge bribes

A Chinese military court on Monday sentenced a former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission to life in prison for accepting bribes.

Guo Boxiong was also deprived of his political rights and stripped of his rank of general. His personal assets were seized, and all his illicit gains were confiscated and turned over to the State treasury.

Guo pled guilty and declined an appeal, according to a statement issued by the military court after the trial.

The military court ruled that Guo had taken advantage of his position to assist in the promotion and reassignment of others, and he had accepted huge bribes both personally and with the help of others.

Guo’s bribes were “extremely huge” and his crimes were “extremely serious.” However, he confessed, owned up to his misdeeds, repented in good faith, and all the proceeds of his crimes have been recovered, the statement read.

The trial was conducted behind closed doors as military secrets were involved. The trial was conducted in a fair and independent manner, and its verdict can stand the test of the law and time, said the statement.

After accepting the case, the court formed a panel for the trial, sent Guo a copy of the indictment and informed him of his rights and obligations.

Guo and his lawyer discussed and reviewed all the case files. Before the trial, the court met with the prosecutors, defendant and defense counsel to hear arguments and review evidence. The court tackled the alleged facts, and the prosecution and defense argued the evidence.

“Guo confessed to taking bribes and expressed penitence,” the statement said. The military court has fully safeguarded the litigation rights of Guo and his defense counsel in accordance with law, it added.

As for others implicated in Guo’s case, the military court will deal with them in accordance with the law and rule in a just way, according to the statement.