On October 24, 2024, the Intermediate People’s Court of Luoyang, Henan Province, publicly held its first trial regarding the bribery case of former Shanxi Provincial Deputy Party Secretary, Shang Liguang.
The Luoyang People’s Procuratorate presented its charges, alleging that between 1999 and 2023, Shang Liguang took advantage of his various positions—including member of the Hebei Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary, Executive Deputy Secretary, Vice Mayor, Mayor of Qinhuangdao, and Secretary of Cangzhou City, along with roles in the Shanxi Provincial Committee and several other posts—to offer assistance to certain units and individuals in business operations, project contracting, case handling, and promotions. The prosecution claims that he received illegal benefits amounting to over 104 million yuan, either personally or through intermediaries. They have requested criminal charges against Shang for bribery.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented relevant evidence, and Shang Liguang, alongside his defense team, contested this evidence. Both sides were allowed to express their viewpoints, and during his final statement, Shang acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed regret.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the court announced a recess and indicated that a verdict would be delivered at a later date. More than fifty members of the National People’s Congress, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference delegates, and citizens from various sectors attended the trial as observers.
