Outspoken agricultural tycoon Sun Dawu stands trial in China

Case is being heard in closed-door court in Hebei province, and legal team has said he could be jailed for up to 25 years if convicted

The 67-year-old is facing charges including ‘provoking trouble and disturbing public order’ and illegal fundraising. Last year he suggested Xi Jinping step down

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Sun Dawu has been vocal in criticising the government, including over its rural policies and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Handout

Published: 10:08pm, 15 Jul 2021Updated: 2:45pm, 16 Jul 2021

The trial of outspoken businessman Sun Dawu began at a closed-door court in northern China on Thursday on charges including “provoking trouble and disturbing public order” and illegal fundraising.

Sun’s defence lawyers have said the 67-year-old tycoon could be jailed for up to 25 years if convicted. His case is being heard at the Gaobeidian People’s Court in Hebei province, and prosecutors have said he is also accused of illegal mining, encroachment on state farmland, and obstructing public service, among other charges.

Sun was detained with more than a dozen family members and business associates from his Dawu Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Group in November.

One of Sun’s lawyers, who spoke on condition of anonymity after being told by authorities not to talk to the media, expected the trial to last for a few days and “certainly more than one day”.

Sun’s legal team had on Tuesday written a letter calling for the case to be heard in an open court.

Sun Dawu’s company spans agriculture, tourism and health care. Photo: Handout

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