Court concludes hearing of gang leaders' appeal

Courts in central China's Hubei Province have concluded hearing the appeals of former mining tycoon Liu Han and his brother Liu Wei,sentenced to death at an earlier trial.

The Liu brothers' appeals were conducted by the Hubei Higher People's Court at two different local courts.

The Liu brothers and 34 other defendants were convicted of murder and organizing, leading or participating in a mafia-style gang in May.

The appeal of Liu Han, chairman of the Hanlong Group, the biggest private enterprise in southwest China's Sichuan Province, was heard at the Xianning Intermediate People's Court. The hearing ended on Saturday.

Court investigations focused on facts and evidence about his intentional homicide and intentional injury. The appellant and procurators debated on the evidence and application of legal terms.

Liu Wei's appeal was heard at the People's Court of Xian'an District, Xianning City, where he appealed his conviction for organizing and leading a gang. The hearing was concluded on Thursday.

Liu Han said the court had given him enough opportunities to express opinions, while Liu Wei said he was willing to accept just judgement of the court.

More than 500 people including families of the appellants and journalists attended the hearings.