Former Inner Mongolia official stands trial for graft

DALIAN -- Yun Guangzhong, a former senior official of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, stood trial on Thursday at the Intermediate People's Court of Dalian in Northeast China's Liaoning province for taking bribes.

Prosecutors accused Yun of taking advantage of his various positions, including vice chairman of the Inner Mongolia regional government, Communist Party chief of Hohhot city, to seek benefits for implicated companies and individuals in business operations and job promotions between 2005 and 2018.

In return, he accepted money and gifts worth 94.32 million yuan (about $13.48 million), according to the prosecutors.

During the court trial, prosecutors presented evidence, and the defendant and his lawyers cross-examined the evidence. Both sides gave their own full accounts.

In his final statement, Yun pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

The trial was open to the public and was attended by legislators, political advisors, and members of the public.

The sentence will be announced at a later date.