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Beijing (AFP) Oct 27, 2009 A top Chinese prosecutor has vowed to step up a crackdown on official graft, state press said Tuesday as a leading local lawmaker in the southwest went on trial for links to organised crime. "Currently on-the-job crime is rather serious, with some leading officials arbitrarily using their powers to accept and give bribes," the China News Service quoted the vice head of China's top prosecutorial body, Qiu Xueqiang, as saying. "The number of crimes are many and the harm inflicted is serious. Some state workers have even linked up with evil underground forces and criminals to commit crime for mutual profit." Qiu's comments came as Li Qiang, a tycoon legislator in southwestern Chongqing, went on trial this week on charges of engaging in organised criminal activity in the city's transport and real estate sectors. Li and 30 of his associates are also facing charges of bribery, tax evasion, inciting violence and operating illegal businesses in the municipality of more than 30 million people, state press reports have said. Last week, courts in Chongqing sentenced six people to death in related trials that have lifted the lid on the massive power of the city's murky underworld, revealing sordid tales of sex, gambling and corruption. Yang Tianqing, 35, and five other defendants were convicted of murder, assault, extortion and other charges in what has become one of the biggest crackdowns on organised crime ever seen in modern China. More than 1,500 suspects linked to mafia groups have been arrested in the crackdown, in which 14 top judicial and police officials have been implicated, top officials have said. Five cases have already been heard, with Li's case ongoing. Verdicts have only been announced in two of the trials. The cases have been seen as part of an effort by President Hu Jintao to wipe out corruption in the ruling Communist Party, a goal which he has said is vital for its survival. On Monday, Qiu appeared to confirm previous reports in the state media that the Chongqing crackdown would be extended nationwide. "We cannot relax, but must continue to arrest and investigate those guilty of official crimes in order to win the confidence of the people with real results in the fight against corruption," Qiu said. Share This Article With Planet Earth
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Ben Ali wins landslide in Tunisian election: interior ministryTunis (AFP) Oct 26, 2009 Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali won plaudits from his peers Monday after being re-elected with 89.6 percent of the vote for a fifth term after two decades in power. The results from all of the north African country's 26 constituencies, released by the interior ministry, showed Ben Ali's score ranging from 84.1 to 93.8 percent of the vote. He did even better among overseas voters ... read more |
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