Former legislator admits bribery

Zhang Jiehui, formerly a senior legislator in North China's Hebei province, stood trial at a court in Shanxi province on Thursday, charged with taking bribes valued at 126 million yuan ($18.2 million).

Zhang, 61, former vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hebei Provincial People's Congress, showed repentance for his crime and pleaded guilty at the hearing, Taiyuan Intermediate People's Court said. Its verdict will be handed down at a later date.

According to the indictment, Zhang took advantage of his job to gain benefits for other individuals and enterprises in business development, obtaining bank loans and enterprise acquisition, as well as project land approval and job promotion, in return for bribes paid in cash or gifts.