Former senior Xinjiang legislator stands trial for bribery

XINING - The trial of a former senior legislator in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region accused of accepting bribes began Thursday.

Li Zhi, former deputy head of the Standing Committee of the regional People's Congress, was tried at the Intermediate People's Court of Xining, capital city of Northwest China's Qinghai province.

He stands accused of taking advantage of his positions to offer assistance to others in construction projects, land development, and promotions, requesting and accepting bribes totaling more than 13.19 million yuan (about $2 million), between 1996 and 2013.

The prosecutors produced evidence in court, which was examined by Li and his defense attorney. Li pleaded guilty and showed repentance in court.

More than 100 people, including reporters and members of the public, were in court.

The sentence will be announced on a later date.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) announced an investigation into Li in March 2015.