Zhang Guoguang, the former governor of central China's
Hubei
Province, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China
(CPC) and turned over to the judicial authorities on charges of
taking bribes.
Sources with the CPC Central Commission for Discipline
Inspection alleged Zhang, who was also deputy secretary of the
Hubei Provincial Committee of the CPC, took 960,000 yuan
(US$115,700) in bribes and gifts while he was working in northeast
China's Liaoning Province. In return, he used his power to help
people obtain benefits illegally.
Investigations by the commission found Zhang took more than
300,000 yuan (US$36,100) in cash and valuables from a company in
Shenyang, capital of Liaoning, in exchange for helping the firm
obtain loans and projects. He also allegedly accepted more than
300,000 yuan (US$36,100) in cash and valuables from others and
helped them to win government offices.
"By seriously punishing Zhang, it shows the Party is steadfast
in building a clean government and fighting corruption. It also
shows there is no room for corrupt elements in our Party and that
all people are treated equally before the Party and the law," said
a high-ranking official with the commission.
The commission asked officials at various levels, especially
leading officials, to learn from the lesson of Zhang Guoguang and
to be more disciplined.
(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2004)