China ends first trials of mafia-style gang

Confessions

Prosecutors provided lots of evidence during the trials, witness's testimonies, written records, autopsy reports and bank accounts, accounting statements which were fully cross examined at the court.

Prosecutors also showed evidence that they did not force Liu Wei to confess through torture.

Most defendants confessed to their crimes and pleaded leniency.

"For the crimes I have committed, I will accept any judgement according to the law to make the dead rest in peace," said Liu Wei in his final statement.

Sun Changbing bowed deeply to the court and said he willingly confessed and repented crimes.

"I lost myself, made mistakes and now I have waken up to reality. I hope that while handing down punishment to me, the court could save, educate and help me and give a lenient penalty according to the law," he said.

The accused Min Jie submitted his written statement of repentance.

Other defendants including Liu Xuejun, Liu Zhongwei and Lyu Bin also admitted crimes.

Rights ensured

Legal rights of the defendants and 49 lawyers were guaranteed, the court said.

All the defendants appeared at the court without wearing handcuffs or prisoners' clothes.

Liu Han was offered deaf-aids and a cushion on the seat.

Liu made a self-defense statement for more than 140 minutes during the court debate.

His lawyer Zhang Qingsong said in court that the court investigation was gentle and fair and that the tolerance, gentleness and rationality of the presiding judge has won the lawyer's sincere respect.

About 6,200 persons including defendants' families, legislators, political advisors, journalists and representatives of the public observed the trials which lasted for 17 days.

Prior to the trials, prosecutors, defendants and defence lawyers exchanged opinions and reached consensus on some issues concerning the jurisdictions of the cases, withdrawal of parties of interests and the exclusion of illegally obtained evidence.

The accused fully defended themselves and the trials were held according to the law, said Wang Yisong, a local lawmaker who heard the trials. "I expect fair and just verdicts."