The case that put China's rule of law on trial
Lawyers who rallied in support of businessman Li Qinghong say his 14-year jail term is proof that the courts serve only to protect the party
A controversial final court verdict against dozens of defendants in southern China this month dealt a vicious blow to a civil campaign mounted by scores of defence lawyers trying to overturn what they and many others say is a gross miscarriage of justice.
As a result, one-time business tycoon and racing-car driver Li Qinghong, 38, must serve a 14-year jail sentence and pay a 100,000 yuan (HK$122,300) fine after the Guiyang City People's Intermediate Court in Guizhou province upheld a previous ruling last month that he was involved in organised crime.
The chaotic legal battle spanned four years. More than 30 lawyers and over 100 legal experts, entrepreneurs and others were involved in the fight, claiming that the defendants were tortured into confessing to crimes they had not commited.
Last month's verdict is considered final, leaving little hope that the case will be overturned. Lawyers and Li's family have sought a review by a higher court, but it is unlikely to affect the outcome. They are also planning to petition on Li's behalf in Beijing.
Zhou Ze, a Beijing-based lawyer and Li's main counsel, called it the "biggest civil campaign led by lawyers".
"This case tells us that the system no longer holds any regard for the existing rule of law, nor for human rights," Zhou said.
He also alleged that, after the downfall of Chongqing party secretary Bo Xilai earlier this year, it was revealed that the anti-triad campaign that Bo championed was merely a political weapon used to target the rich and obtain their assets.