Former senior Chongqing municipal legislator stands trial for suspected bribe-taking

XI’AN, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) — Zheng Hong, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Congress, on Friday stood trial at a court in northwest China’s city of Xi’an on bribery-related criminal charges.
Procurators charged Zheng, also former deputy secretary of the leading Party members group of the congress, with accepting bribes and abusing his influence during his extensive career, which saw him occupy various official capacities from 1998 to 2023.
The prosecution alleged that Zheng utilized his positions and influence to gain advantages for certain organizations and individuals in business operations and project contracting, and accepted — either directly or through family members — money and valuables with a total worth of over 33.14 million yuan (4.69 million U.S. dollars).
Further accusations alleged that from January 2020 to February 2023, Zheng exploited his influence to aid others in business dealings and legal matters, receiving an additional 17.69 million yuan in bribes either directly or through family members.
Zheng expressed remorse and admitted guilt in his closing statement.
A verdict will be announced in due course. ■