Former senior legislator stands trial for graft

Bai Enpei, a former senior official with the top legislature, on Thursday stood trial on two counts of corruption-related charges.

Bai, formerly deputy head of the Environment and Resources Protection Committee of the National People's Congress, was accused of taking advantage of his various official posts and other perks associated with his posts from 2000 to 2013 to seek benefits -- in regard of project construction, real estate development, obtaining mining rights and personal promotions -- for 17 companies and individuals.

In exchange, he personally, or through his wife, accepted bribes worth over 246 million yuan (37.4 million U.S. dollars).

Also, prosecutors allege, the assets and expenditure of the Bai family significantly exceeded their legal income and Bai was unable to specify the sources of his assets, which constitutes another suspected criminal violation.

The People's Procuratorate of Anyang City in central China's Henan Province filed the two charges with Anyang Intermediate People's Court.

In his final statement, Bai accepted the charges and showed repentance.

Over 60 people, including legal and political representatives, journalists and members of the public, attended the hearing.

The court ruling will be announced at a later date. Endi