Mafia-style gang trial calls key witness to court

Trials of 36 members of an alleged mafia-style gang, led by former mining tycoon Liu Han, continued on Saturday in central China's Hubei Province with a key witness being called to court.

In the Liu Han trial, Sun Xiaodong, a key witness who is suspected to have implemented Liu Han's instructions in the gang and who is being dealt with in a separate case, appeared in court for questioning and cross-examination.

The prosecutor questioned Sun on whether Liu instigated him to murder Wang Yongcheng, another gang boss, and Shi Junquan, one of Liu's business competitors.

Sun was also questioned on whether Liu was the organizer and leader of a group made up of dozens of people and whether Liu used money and promotion to develop the group into an organized criminal syndicate.

The trials continued for other members of the mafia-style gang, including Liu's brother Liu Wei, who denied all charges against him though the prosecutor presented relevant proof.

Prosecutors said the Liu brothers and other gang members should be held criminally liable for crimes including organizing and leading the gang, intentional homicide and assault, illegal detention, illegal holding and trading of guns, collusion in bidding, running illegal businesses, racketeering, intentional destruction of property, obstructing officials in their line of duty, organizing gambling, harboring criminals, and loan fraud.

According to the court, Liu Han, Liu Wei and 34 other defendants are being simultaneously prosecuted in seven cases to make clear facts and protect the legal interests of the accused.

The proceedings of five trials have been adjourned after legal procedures until judgement are pronounced, while the trials of Liu brothers will continue.

Some of the defendants' families, representatives of the public and journalists observed the trial.