Ling Jihua, former Chinese presidential aide, sentenced to life in prison
Tianjin court says Ling’s guilty plea taken into account during sentencing
Ling Jihua, the one-time top aide to former president Hu Jintao, has been sentenced to life in prison for taking more than 77 million yuan (HK$89 million) in bribes, illegally obtaining state secrets and abuse of power, mainland state media reported on Monday.
The secret trial was held on June 7 at the Tianjin No 1 Intermediate People’s Court but only reported by state media on Monday, along with the verdict.
The reports of the trial revealed the once political rising star’s illicit dealings with high-profile businessmen and a former top aide of disgraced security tsar Zhou Yongkang.
Exclusive: How crash cover-up threatens career of Hu’s top aide
It also exposed how Ling’s wife and their son – who was killed in a mysterious luxury car crash – were tied to Ling’s corruption. But the report was silent on his brother Ling Wancheng, who fled to the United States and has denied reports suggesting that he passed top secrets to the Americans.
In footage aired on state television last night, Ling looked thinner and with more grey hair than in his last public appearance in December 2014.
“Once again, I offer my humble apology ... and ask the party and judiciary organs for punishment,” a hoarse Ling said in the courtroom, adding that he would not appeal against the decision.
“To me, today’s trial is unforgettable, just like something engraved on my bones and heart,” Xinhua quoted Ling as saying.
