CHINA. SHAANXI COURT SENTENCES FORMER PROCURATOR TO DEATH FOR MURDER, BRIBE-TAKING

in its initial trial, the Xianyang City Intermediate People's Court, China, sentenced Chen Ping, former chief procurator of Xianyang City Qindu District People's Procuratorate, to death, with all political rights deprived for life. He had been found guilty of intentional homicide, illegal possession of military bullets and bribe-taking. It was alleged that on 28 September 2003, Chen killed his spouse Wang Ling with a knife. The motive for the killing was not reported. It was also alleged that in July 2002, the anti-corruption bureau of the Qindu District Procuratorate investigated the business unit of the Western Regional Security, Xianyang Sub-Branch, for embezzlement of shareholder capital. In order to put an end to the investigations, Fan, manager of the business unit, offered 400,000 yuan in bribes to Chen, who intervened in the case.