Bo Xilai trial: China breaks new ground
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E-mail CNTV, August 27, 2013
The open trial of Bo Xilai has come to a close, after five days of proceedings, much longer than normal cases. Our reporter Han Bin, who's closely followed the case, has interviewed experts in a bid to determine what impact Bo Xilai's trial will have on China in the future.
A high-ranking official charged with bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power... a wife charged with murder, a police chief on the run, a secret villa in France...
All parts of the fall of a rising political star, with the last chapter of the drama played out in the courtroom.
"This has been the most transparent criminal trial according to my knowledge in China. Especially, all the courts records are published. I think it's unprecedented for this kind of practice, but this is what we call it, illustrate procedure justice and fairness," said professor He Jiahong from Renmin University Law School.
Professor He Jiahong says that though Bo Xilai is an individual case, it's an example of how trials should be carried out. It comes as part of China's new amendments to the Criminal Procedure law.
"Bo Xilai defended himself against the charges and the evidence. Bo's lawyers challenged the evidence presented, and defended the motives behind his actions. After two rounds of fierce debates, the trial is adjourned," said Liu Yanjie, spokesman of Jinan Intermediate People's Court.
The trial has been closely followed, with court records being published on Sina Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter. In Bo Xilai's case, the government has relied on social media, rather than traditional media, to inform the public.
"This is probably more smart strategy of media management concerned with Chinese specificity. Social media is the only choice to increase transparency, publicity and reputation of the government. The government for the first time actually uses news management to handle this sensitive issue," said professor Shi Anbin of Media Studies in Qinghua University.
Media experts like professor Shi Anbin believe that Bo Xilai's case has changed western media stereotypes of "behind closed doors" politics in China. But it's hard to tell whether the Chinese government will continue turning to social media in the future.
Bo Xilai has strongly denied the charges of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power against him. But his last appearance in court is unlikely to change the verdict.
The open trial of Bo Xilai's case has been a demonstration of the new leadership's courageous campaign to fight against the deep rooted corruption in China. And some say it also reveals the seriousness of the problem that pressures the central government to change. Whatever the verdict, the impact will continue to be felt far beyond the courtroom.
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