JINAN — A court sentenced Bo Xilai to life in prison for corruption Sunday, burying the career of one of China's most up-and-coming politicians and lowering the curtain on a scandal that exposed a murder and illicit enrichment among the country's elite.
The former Politburo member and Chongqing city party leader was convicted of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power Sunday in a case set in motion by his wife's poisoning of a British business associate in late 2011. It also was widely regarded as a political prosecution and a sign that top leaders had turned against the charismatic populist.
The Jinan Intermediate People's Court deprived Bo of political rights for life and confiscated all his personal assets. A lawyer with direct knowledge of the case said Bo indicated that the verdict was unjust and was expected to appeal, but observers say he has little chance of success. He has 10 days to appeal.