Chinese politician to face corruption charges over €3.1m embezzlement

Deposed politician Bo Xilai will go on trial on charges of corruption and abuse of power within weeks, wrapping up a festering scandal that China’s new leaders want disposed of as they cement their authority.

Bo, 64, was a rising political star who ran the city of Chongqing until he fell from power last year in a scandal that saw his wife convicted of killing British businessman Neil Heywood. He was charged with bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power today and will stand trial in the eastern city of Jinan.