JINAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Maocai, a former senior legislator of north China's Shanxi Province, stood trial Thursday at the Intermediate People's Court of Zibo City in eastern Shandong Province for taking bribes.
Zhang, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Shanxi Provincial People's Congress, was accused of taking advantage of various positions he held from 2002 to 2018 to seek benefits for others in terms of business operation, project contracting and job promotions.
Zhang accepted 72.44 million yuan (about 10.23 million U.S. dollars) worth of money and valuables personally or through his family members, according to the prosecutors.
During the court trial, prosecutors presented evidence and the defendant and his lawyers cross-examined the evidence. Both sides gave their own full accounts.
Zhang pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in his final statement.
The trial was attended by legislators, political advisors, press and members of the public.
The sentence will be announced at a later date.
