Nation Ringleader duo stands trial in Chongqing 2010-Jan-5 21:25:46
CHONGQING: Two suspected ringleaders stood trial Tuesday on charges of organizing a criminal gang in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, said court authorities.
The 34-people gang, led by Gong Gangmo and Fan Qihang, were accused of 14 charges, including murder, drug trafficking, robbery and bribery, said Dai Ping, a prosecutor of the Chongqing municipal procuratorate.
The trial would last seven days in Chongqing's No. 1 Intermediate People's Court, according to Dai.
The group were arrested for allegedly killing a man on June 3, 2009 in Chongqing, said Dai.
"I admit that I have committed some crimes, but not all of the charges are true," said Gong at court Tuesday.
However, Fan denied all the accusations. "None of the charges is true," he said.
Prosecutors would present evidence against Fan during the following days, said Dai.
The court appointed a new lawyer for Gong with his consent after his former lawyer Li Zhuang was detained and stood trial on charges of giving false evidence and obstructing testifying.
The?arrest of Gong's gang signaled the beginning of Chongqing's crackdown on gang crimes, which has netted not only gang leaders and members but also police officials offering umbrella to them.