Former provincial legislator stands trial for bribery

TIANJIN - Yang Chongyong, a former senior legislator of North China's Hebei province, stood trial Tuesday for taking bribes at the Second Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin Municipality.

Yang, former deputy director of the Hebei Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee, allegedly took advantage of his posts as a standing committee member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hebei Provincial Committee and vice governor of Hebei to benefit others between 2008 and 2016, said the prosecutors' indictment.

He illegally helped certain individuals and organizations contract projects, deal with land use rights, and approved the establishment of companies. He accepted money and property worth over 206 million yuan ($32.17 million) in return, the indictment read.

Prosecutors presented the evidence, which Yang and his defense attorneys examined, in court.

In his final statement, Yang pleaded guilty and expressed repentance.

About 50 people, including lawmakers, political advisors, journalists, and members of the public attended the trial.

The court ruling will be announced at a later date.