Follow us on TWITTER: http://twitter.com/cnforbiddennews Like us on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/chinaforbiddennews The legal case involving the mafia-style gang of Liu Han, former Chairman of Sichuan Hanlong Group, has adjourned. Chinese media have recently exposed five provincial and ministerial level officials involved in Liu's case. The Sichuan tycoon Liu Han, an ally of former security tsar Zhou Yongkang, was put on trial at the end of March. The case was over allegations of gang activity. Chinese state media reported that Liu Han, along with his brother Liu Wei, and 34 other gang members have committed dozens of crimes. This includes the murder of 9 people. Their underworld organization was believed to be supported by official patrons in the Political and Law Commission. This directly supplied them with arms and bullets. The report also stressed that whomever constituted the protective umbrella for these crimes will be brought into the open, and will be subject to strict sanctions. In the March 31 court hearing, none of the officials behind the case were mentioned. Also ommitted was information about Liu's business connections with Zhou Bin, son of Zhou Yongkang. Some media criticized how the court has dealt with these mafia-style gang crimes. The court avoided the gangs business and party official connections. On April 7, Caijin.com reported that when Li Chuncheng, former Deputy Secretary of Sichuan Provincial Committee, was detained for interrogation during December 2012, Liu Han had started to redistribute part of his assets. Liu knew something was not right, and four months later, he was arrested by police. Previously, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) state-controlled Xinhua News Agency hinted that many people knew Liu Han was influential with his gang background and official connections. It was suggested that few other tycoons had his influence. His connection with corrupt officials, through heavy bribery, ranged from Sichuan to Beijing, and into the central party. In the cover story of Caijing Magazine, it detailed Liu Han's circle of friends. They included high ranking officials like Zhou Yongkang, Li Chuncheng, Guo Yongxiang, and Li Chongxi. They also included underworld figures in the casino arena, and five provincial and ministerial level officials. Commentator Zhou Xiaohui highlights the connections between these five officials and the Jiang Zemin faction. Beijing political observer Hua Po analyzes that the exposure of these five officials reflects intense internal struggles. It indicates a certain faction of the regime is anxious to deal with Zhou Yongkang. Hua Po: "It looks like the case of Zhou Yongkang has been tough to push through, because of it's scope and complexity. Bo Xilai's case has set an example to these "tigers" that they should deny all charges and plead not guilty. It is a big question mark if Zhou would accept charges brought against him" It was rumoured that Zhou Yongkang was to be investigated last December. The Communist Party's Consultative Conference (CPPCC) spokesman Lu Xinhua's commented about this on March 2. He said, "you understand", and acknowledged the investigation of Zhou Yongkang. On March 3, Ge Jianxiong, a member of the Standing Committee, told Hong Kong media that one or more former Standing Committee members had been removed. He would not reveal further information, because it's not yet publicized by the regime. An article about the roadmap to hit the "tiger" officials was widely published in state media. It is believed this is laying the foundation for public opinion in dealing with Zhou Yongkang, and even Jiang Zemin. On April 7, Voice of America reported Zhou Yongkang denied all charges, and his relatives outside of China also protested that Zhou was facing injustice. The regime seems unable to get the case moving. Analysts believe that with more people exposed in Liu Han's case, mostly in connection with the Jiang faction, Xi Jinping seems to be closing the net by dealing with Zhou Yongkang and Jiang Zemin at the same time. Zhang Tianliang, former visiting Professor at George Mason University: "Liu Hans' case has involved more people. This criminal case will have a wider implication and social impact, in time. It could establish more than just corruption charges in Zhou Yongkang's case." This may include Zhou Yongkang's involvement in plotting a military coup to overthrow Xi Jinping. It may also include his involvement in crimes against humanity during the persecution of Falun Gong. However, Hua Po does not believe the regime would dare to touch this. Bringing these crimes against humanity to justice would be equivalent to putting the entire CCP on trial. 《神韵》2014世界巡演新亮点 http://www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org/

• published: 09 Apr 2014
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