Trending news across China on Aug 25

The court investigation phase of the trial of Bo Xilai came to an end on Sunday after more sensational claims and exchanges. Meanwhile, a local public security organ in Hunan rejected a civil service candidate for being "ugly". And Beijing's alleged baby killer is rumored to be hoping for a swift death. It's all trending across China.

Blogger arrested

China's first angel investor, Xue Manzi, was reported arrested on Friday on suspicion of soliciting a prostitute. Xue, 60, is well known for his many posts on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, typically spending two hours on the micro blog site every day. His posts are often critical of the Chinese government, and he has more than 12 million followers.

Trail of Bo Xilai

Wang Lijun, former vice-mayor and police chief of Chongqing municipality, gave testimony against Bo Xilai, former secretary of Chongqing, on Saturday afternoon. Bo is facing charges of abuse of power. Lijun claimed that Bo physically assaulted him during his time in office.

Song says no

Chinese actress Song Dandan is reported to have turned down an invitation to CCTV's Spring Festival gala — known as Chunwan —this year. Song has performed at the gala several times with Zhao Benshan, the skit and sitcom star who has performed 21 classic works on the stage since 1990.

Ugly decision

A civil service candidate with acne failed the physical examination for entry into the public security bureau of Xiangxi autonomous region in Hunan province. "Ugly people cannot be policemen," said a doctor. People whose appearance is affected by skin conditions such as leucoderma, angioma, spots and moles cannot be recruited, according to the bureau's standards of employment, a local official said.

Begging to die?

Officials say that Han Lei, who stands accused of killing a 2-year-old girl by throwing her on the ground, has said while in custody that he hopes to be sentenced to death. Han is alleged to have taken the girl from her pushchair on July 23 and thrown her to the ground, sparking expressions of outrage online. Han was charged with intentional homicide on Tuesday.

Fatal celebration

Five young men have drowned in a reservoir in Bole city, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Sunday morning. Initial reports suggest the men had been drinking alcohol in celebration of gaining entry to college. The oldest of the group was 21 years old.

Summary justice

Urban patrol officers, otherwise known as the chengguan, have been criticized for detaining a suspected thief and stringing him up outside a public toilet as punishment. The incident, which took place in Wuhan, in Hubei province, has met with approval from some citizens, who feel the officers were justified in dishing out summary justice to the thief. Others, however, have expressed concern at the phenomenon of arbitrary punishment without trial.

Trending news on Aug 24