Former official stands trial for bribery

Sun Hongzhi, former vice-minister of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, stood trial on Thurs-day for taking bribes, embezzlement of public funds and holding a huge amount of property with unidentified sources.

Sun was accused of taking advantage of his various official posts from 2002 to 2014 to seek benefits for 25 entities and individuals in obtaining contracts and promotions. Sun accepted bribes of more than 14.2 million yuan ($2.1 million), either him-self or through his wife, according to the indictment from the Taian people's procuratorate in Shandong province.

When he served as mayor of Songyuan, Jilin province, from 2009 to November 2014, Sun abused his power to embezzle public funds of over 1.64 million yuan, according to the indictment.

He is also accused of holding property worth more than 9.53 million yuan with unidentified sources.

The procuratorate filed the charges with the Taian Intermediate People's Court.

Sun confessed to the crimes and expressed remorse in court. The ruling will be announced at a later date.

More than 80 people, including journalists and members of the public, attended Thursday's hearing.