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China's Bo Xilai: Disgraced Politician Charged
BBC NEWS, CHINA
July 25, 2013: China has charged disgraced politician Bo Xilai with bribery, corruption and abuse of power, state media say. Bo Xilai, formerly the Communist Party chief of Chongqing, was expelled from the party after a scandal surrounding the murder of a British businessman.
Mr Bo was charged by prosecutors on Thursday in Jinan in Shandong province, state media said. The Bo Xilai scandal, which exposed corruption claims and infighting at the top of the Communist Party, was one of the biggest to rock China in years.
Mr Bo had taken advantage of his office to accept an "extremely large amount" of money and properties, state-run news agency Xinhua said, citing the indictment paper. He is also charged with embezzling public money, Xinhua said.
Mr Bo was popular in his role as party chief in Chongqing. He was known for two high-profile campaigns: a large-scale crackdown on crime, and a drive to promote China's old communist values. Despite his charisma, his penchant for the limelight set him apart from other Chinese politicians.
According to analysts, his ambition and flamboyant style earned him enemies and was considered controversial by party leaders. His populist brand of Maoist nostalgia, such as his encouragement of the public singing of old communist songs, was seen as dangerous by China's more reform-minded leaders, our correspondent says.
