Significance of gang's trial

Mining tycoon Liu Han was sentenced to death by Xianning Intermediate People's Court in Central China's Hubei Province after he was convicted of murder and organizing and leading a criminal gang.

Liu's gang members and three civil servants who aided Liu's organization received sentences ranging from death to imprisonment. The significance of the open trial of the Chinese multi-billionaire Liu Han is multi-fold, says a Xinhua News Agency commentary.

First, the trial's openness is a sign of Chinese courts embracing the rule of law. Ample evidence was collected and the trial strictly followed legal procedures. Liu and the other defendants were guaranteed their legitimate rights during the trial with the freedom to hire their own lawyers and defend themselves. The trial reflects the judicial system's resolve to safeguard social fairness and justice and promote the rule of law.

Second, the trial marks another step toward a fully transparent judicial system. More than 6,000 people attended the trial hearings, which lasted 17 days and garnered huge media attention, and the verdicts were released by the court via micro blog, demonstrating the courts interaction with the public.

This is the latest high-profile case to be broadcast online, following the trial of Bo Xilai, former Party chief of Chongqing Municipality, the details of which were broadcast live via micro blog last year.

The importance of embracing transparency online was highlighted by Chief Justice Zhou Qiang on Friday, when he called on the courts to wield an "Internet mentality" and build fair, efficient, clean, people-oriented and modern courts.

Third, the revelation of Lui's connections with officials and the harsh punishments handed down to them has shown the intense resolution of the CPC to wipe out corruption. The punishing of these officials for their misconduct will deter others from committing any wrongdoings and make the public more engaged in the war against corruption.

Since Xi Jinping took office as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee in November 2012, a number of high-ranking officials have been removed from their posts following tip-offs from the public and journalists, which has encouraged the public to become increasingly active in the CPC's anti-corruption drive.