Former Heilongjiang legislator stands trial for corruption

BEIJING - Sui Fengfu, former deputy head of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee, stood trial on corruption charges at a court in Shenyang, Liaoning Province Thursday.

According to the indictment by the Shenyang City Procuratorate, between 2003 and 2014, Sui abused his position in various areas, including project contracting, project approval, product promotion, as well in regards to the official selection and promotion of several companies and individuals.

Sui is accused of accepting gifts and money totalling over 10.44 million yuan (1.57 million U.S. dollars), both personally and through his wife, Deng Yongqin.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, while Sui and his lawyers conducted cross-examination.

In his final statement, Sui confessed to his offenses and expressed regret.

About 50 people, including Sui's family, representatives of national and local legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public were present at the open trial.

The final court ruling will be announced at a later date.