Chinese ex-deputy governor gets life sentence for bribery

A Chinese court has sentenced Zhang Zulin, the former deputy governor of Yunnan Province, to life in prison after finding him guilty of accepting bribes totaling more than 122 million yuan (approximately $17 million).

The verdict, delivered on Thursday by the No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court in Chongqing Municipality, also stripped Zhang of his political rights for life. In addition, all personal assets belonging to him will be confiscated, and his illegal earnings will be recovered and handed over to the state treasury.

According to the court, Zhang abused various official positions held in Yunnan between 2001 and 2023. During that period, he helped individuals and organisations secure benefits in areas such as real estate development, project approvals, construction contracts, and access to loans.

In exchange, he received cash and valuables amounting to over 122 million yuan.

Zhang’s trial was held publicly on April 10.