Former senior political advisor in E China stands trial for bribery

A former senior provincial political advisor in east China's Anhui Province went on trial for accepting bribes and abuse of power on Thursday.

Han Xiancong, former vice chairman of the Anhui Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was tried at Nanping intermediate court in east China's Fujian Province.

Prosecutors accused Han of taking advantage of his positions to seek benefits for 18 companies or individuals in land leasing, construction projects or promotions, accepting bribes worth more than 23.3 million yuan (about 3.6 million U.S. dollars) personally or through his relatives.

Han was also indicted for causing damage to state property worth 222 million yuan due to his acts of favoritism, including helping related enterprises obtain land use right at a cost lower than market price.

The prosecutors produced evidence in court, which was questioned by Han and his defense attorney. Han pleaded guilty and showed repentance in court.

More than 60 people, including Han's relatives and reporters, were in court.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) announced an investigation into Han in July, 2014.

Sentence will be announced on another date.

(APD)