Former Shandong official given death sentence for taking bribes

Zhang Xijun, former deputy Party chief and deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao People's Congress, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for taking bribes, according to a verdict announced by the Yantai Intermediate People's Court in Shandong province on Friday.

In addition, Zhang has been deprived of his political rights for life, and all his personal property will be confiscated. After the two-year reprieve, his sentence will be commuted to the life sentence without the possibility of parole or reduction, the court said.

The court found that from the second half of 1999 to February 2023, Zhang took advantage of his various positions, including city mayor, to seek benefits for certain entities and individuals in areas such as project contracts, land-use rights, and job promotions.

Directly or through others, he accepted or extorted money and property from relevant entities and individuals, with the total value exceeding 317 million yuan ($44.42 million).