Commentary: Ling Jihua sentenced to life; All are equal before the law

Former Director of General Office of the #CPC Central Committee Lin Jihua on Monday was sentenced to life for bribery, illegally obtaining state secrets, and abuse of power. Ling accepted bribes totaling over 77.08 million yuan (11.6 million U.S. dollars) personally and through his family, according to the first-instance ruling by the First Intermediate People's Court of #Tianjin.

The former top politician said in court that he pled guilty and not to appeal. Ling was also deprived of his political rights for life and had all his personal assets confiscated.

In fact, since the case involved state secrets, a closed-door pre-trial has already been held on June 7.

Upon the court’s ruling, People’s Daily timely published a commentary titled “Corruption must be firmly punished in accordance with the law”. The article highlighted that Ling’s case – from initial investigation to prosecution, from prosecution to court trial – has been proceeded strictly in accordance with the law. #China’s anti-graft campaign is evidently being run within the rule of law. Now that Ling is sentenced to life for his corruption, the court’s ruling underlined the equality of all before the law, and that the rule of law is based on facts, evidence, and principle. 

The commentary also warned all Party members that the rule of law is the basic way of governing the country. And the entire Party is bind to the Party discipline, as well as the rule of law. No one enjoys any privilege, nor anyone may take advantages of their position and status. All, regardless what position they are in and whom they are, will face punishment in accordance with the law upon Party violations.

来源:人民日报