DHAKA: Bo Xilai, who was sentenced to life in prison for corruption on Sunday, has indicated that his verdict was unjust and is expected to launch an appeal, said a lawyer with direct knowledge of the case.

Bo, former Politburo member and Chongqing city party leader, was convicted of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power on 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.

In the sentencing, the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court also deprived Bo of political rights for life and confiscated all his personal assets.

Bo has 10 days to appeal, but observers say he has little chance of success, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1926 HRS, SEPT 22, 2013
RoR/Jck