China sentences former senior party member to death for corruption, abuse of power

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Monday sentenced former senior party member Gou Zhongwen to death with a two-year reprieve for bribery and abuse of power, state-run Xinhua News reported.

The Intermediate People's Court of Yancheng in Jiangsu Province ruled that Gou's political rights would be revoked for life, all personal property confiscated, and his illicit bribery earnings of more than 236 million yuan (roughly $33 million) turned over to the national treasury.

Gou has served as a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former deputy head of the Committee on Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee.

The court found that between 2009 and 2024, Gou exploited his various roles, including as vice mayor of Beijing and head of the General Administration of Sport of China, to assist others with business dealings and project approvals in exchange for money and valuables.

The court determined that the severity of Gou’s crimes warranted the death penalty.

However, due to his cooperation, confession, and the return of his ill-gotten gains, the court granted him leniency. As a result, his death sentence may be commuted to life imprisonment, with no possibility of further reduction or parole.

The case was heard on August 20, during which Gou pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in his final statement.