Microblogger goes on trial for running a gambling house

Guo Meimei stands trial at Beijing Dongcheng District People's Court on Thursday. [Photo from web]

Guo Meimei, a Chinese microblogger who was charged with operating a gambling house, went on trial at Beijing Dongcheng District People's Court on Thursday.

Guo, 24, wearing white -shirt and black pants and appearing in good spirit, was taken to the No 2 courtroom at 9:30 am. More than 50 journalists and a number of curious onlookers packed the courtroom.

Her charge dates to July last year, when Beijing police cracked an Internet soccer gambling den allegedly headed by Guo during the World Cup. In the operation eight gamblers were arrested immediately and a month later Guo was detained on suspicion of running the casino.

Guo Meimei shot to national fame for posting online messages that tainted the reputation of the Red Cross Society of China four years ago.