Former Anhui vice governor stands trial for graft

SHANGHAI -- Former vice governor of Anhui province Yang Zhenchao on Tuesday stood trial on charges of accepting bribes, embezzlement and abuse of power in a local court in Shanghai.

The 1st Municipal Intermediate People's Court of Shanghai handled the case. The 1st Branch of Shanghai Municipal People's Procuratorate is the public prosecutor in the case.

Yang was charged with from 2008 to 2016 at various posts, accepting bribes worth 80.85 million yuan ($11.77 million) from individuals or companies whom he helped in land requisition, promotion and other issues.

From 2008 to 2013, Yang embezzled public funds worth 1.16 million yuan by making fake receipts for reimbursement of his and his family's expenses.

From 2010 to 2013, Yang, acting as Party chief of Huainan city, violated relevant laws in land management, government procurement and tendering and bidding, leading to public economic losses worth 915 million yuan.

Yang pled guilty in court.

Over 50 lawmakers, journalists and citizens attended the open trial.

The verdict will be announced at a later date.