CCTV building fire trials underway

A Beijing court began hearing the first trials yesterday involving alleged wrongdoers connected to the massive blaze that damaged the multi-billion-yuan China Central Television (CCTV) high-rise one year ago.

Beijing No 2 Intermediate Court said yesterday it had received a case filed by local prosecutors against 23 suspects charged with causing accidents with dangerous materials.

Among them is Xu Wei, former director of the national TV network's new headquarters, who prosecutors said decided to store illegal fireworks and hold the grand display on the building during Spring Festival last year.