China's ex-railways minister gets suspended death sentence for graft

Liu Zhijun , who once reigned over the nation's large and powerful railways ministry, received a suspended death sentence yesterday for abusing his office and accepting tens of millions of yuan in bribes.

The former railways minister, whose death sentence is subject to a two-year reprieve, was the highest ranking official convicted since President Xi Jinping came to power, promising to crack down on graft.

The verdict handed down by Beijing No 2 Intermediate People's Court was watched for potential clues as to how Xi's government will handle the prosecution of a more high-profile official - former Chongqing party secretary Bo Xilai .

The court said Liu, while overseeing a massive high-speed rail expansion, had taken bribes and other gifts worth 64.6 million yuan (HK$81.62 million) and helped get 11 people promoted in exchange for favours.

Liu's two-year reprieve means his death sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment with good behaviour. His jail term could be subsequently reduced to as little as 13 years if he is not cited for further lapses.

Liu, 60, who was forced by "illness" to remain standing during a hearing earlier this month, could also be possibly released on medical parole. Other disgraced officials such as former Beijing party secretary Chen Xitong , have been shown similar leniency.