BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese court sentenced the former head of one of the country’s three major state-owned phone carriers to 16 years in prison Tuesday on charges of accepting bribes and abusing his authority, part of leader Xi Jinping’s politically-tinged anti-corruption campaign.
Xi’s campaign has ensnared thousands of Chinese officials and executives of state-owned companies in a long-running crackdown on embezzlement, taking bribes and other misbehavior. The campaign, while popular with the public, has allowed the Chinese president to sideline political rivals and so far shows no sign of letting up.
Li Guohua, formerly general manager of China Unicom, was sentenced by the Intermediate People’s Court in the eastern city of Qingdao, almost 15 months after the ruling Communist Party’s disciplinary body placed him under investigation. He was also fined 6 million yuan (nearly $831,000) and forced to return the roughly 45 million yuan ($6.2 million) that he received in bribes, with interest, the court said.
The world in photos: Feb 26 – March 3
Active role of overseas Chinese hailed at event
Xi's vision can serve as pillar of multilateralism
Xi calls on Shaanxi to write new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization
China's National Legislators Start to Elect Chinese President, Other State Leaders
For Boston Marathon's last 100 years, it all starts in Hopkinton
Chinese path to modernization carries global significance (7)
FM mourns Kissinger, hails his contribution to ties
Varsho hits 2nd career slam, Rodríguez fans 6 in debut as Blue Jays beat Rockies 5
Children in Yuncheng celebrated the festive spirit of the New Year in their new clothes and hats
Oswaldo Cabrera homers, Yankees survive late scare, beat Guardians 3