Former state-assets chief stands trial for corruption

Jiang Jiemin, former head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, attends a news conference in Hong Kong in this March 19, 2007 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

WUHAN - Jiang Jiemin, former head of China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, went on trial for corruption Monday, a local court said.

Prosecutors accused Jiang of taking bribes, possessing a large number of assets from unidentified sources and abusing power while performing his duty for a state-owned enterprise.

Jiang was chair of the board of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) before working for the state-assets commission.

His trial is at the Hanjiang Intermediate People's Court in Hubei Province. Representatives of the Hanjiang Branch of Hubei Provincial People's Procuratorate were present at the court to support the public prosecution.

The court began the case at 8:30 am, adjourned at noon and continued in the afternoon. Jiang and his defenders appeared at the court. More than 70 lawmakers, political advisors, court supervisors, journalists and members of the public were also present.

During the morning's trial session, both prosecutors and defenders presented evidence.

Between 2004 and 2013 as head of the CNPC, Jiang abused his power to seek profits for others in construction projects, promotions and other matters, and he asked for or illegally accepted money and goods himself or through his wife from 14 units and individuals, which should be pursued as the crime of accepting bribes, prosecutors said.

As of Aug 31, 2013, Jiang's personal and family property and expenditures "had apparently surpassed the legal income of himself and his family" and Jiang could not identify the sources for the surplus, according to prosecutors.

Court investigation was held on the accusation of Jiang abusing power while performing duty for a state-owned enterprise. The defendant did not object prosecutors' accusation. Prosecutors and defenders cross-examined the evidence and stated their opinions.

The investigation of the case was completed by the Supreme People's Procuratorate and the case was transferred to the Hanjiang Branch of Hubei Provincial People's Procuratorate on Feb 15 for prosecution.

Prosecutors informed Jiang of having the right to entrust defenders, interrogated him, heard defenders' opinion and examined all the case files.

Prosecutors filed the prosecution on March 19 to the court that formed a collegial panel, sent Jiang a copy of statement of charges and informed him litigious rights.

The collegial panel held a pretrial meeting of prosecutors, defendant and defenders to hear opinions.