BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - The vice-mayor of Beijing, Liu Zhihua, has been sacked on suspicion of corruption, and his case has been referred for possible prosecution, Xinhua news agency reported.
Xinhua did not reveal details of the charges against Liu, saying only that the standing committee of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress has verified that the vice-mayor had committed 'serious' wrongdoings.
Corruption and abuse of power by officials remain widespread in China despite years of government campaigns to punish and discourage such practices.
State media said in December last year that auditors had uncovered 290 bln yuan in funds illegally spent by government offices in the first 11 months of 2005.
(1 usd = 8.02 yuan)
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© 2006 AFX News
