Mafia-style gang trials continue

An alleged mafia-style gang stands trial on charges including murder at the Xianning Intermediate People's Court in Xianning City, central China's Hubei Province, March 31, 2014. (File Photo / Chinanews.com)

The trials of 36 members of an alleged mafia-style gang, led by former mining tycoon Liu Han, continued on Sunday in central China's Hubei province.

Sunday's trail on Liu Han case continued to focus on the investigation of the murder of Wang Yongcheng, another gang boss in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The prosecutor provided the confession of defendants, testimony of witness and documentary evidence to prove that Liu Han had helped murderers to flee, and had sheltered, awarded and paid salaries to the murderers.

Cross-examination was conducted in the court.

During Saturday's trial, Sun Xiaodong, a key witness who is suspected to have implemented Liu Han's criminal instructions in the gang, appeared in court for questioning and cross-examination.

The prosecutor questioned Sun on whether Liu instigated others to murder Wang and Shi Junquan, one of Liu's business competitors.

The trials also continued for other members of the mafia-style gang, including Liu Han's brother Liu Wei, who was asked to identify four guns that he illegally obtained.

Liu Wei denied all charges against him though the prosecutor presented relevant proof.

On Sunday afternoon, Liu Wei's trial entered the phase of exclusion of illegal evidence, the court announced.

The Liu brothers and other gang members are accused of massive crimes including organizing and leading the gang, intentional homicide and assault, illegal detention, blackmailing, illegally possessing guns and ammunition, collusion in bidding, and defrauding banks of loans, prosecutors said.

Liu Han, Liu Wei and 34 other defendants are being simultaneously prosecuted in seven cases to make clear facts and protect the legal interests of the accused. The trails began on March 31.

The proceedings of five trials have been adjourned after legal procedures until judgment are pronounced, while the trials of Liu brothers will continue.

Some of the defendants' families, representatives of the public and journalists observed Sunday's trials.