TAIYUAN, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Song Taiping, a former senior legislator in north China's Hebei Province, stood trial for bribery on Thursday at the Intermediate People's Court of Yuncheng City in the neighboring Shanxi Province.
Song, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Hebei, was accused of taking advantage of his various positions to help others in contracting construction projects, getting jobs, and getting promotions. In return, he accepted money and gifts worth more than 69.49 million yuan (about 9.82 million U.S. dollars).
During the trial, prosecutors presented the evidence, which was examined by the defendant and his lawyers.
In his closing statement, Song pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.
The trial was attended by more than 70 people, including lawmakers, political advisors, and members of the public.
The court ruling will be announced at a later date. ■
