Then China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang reacts as he attends the Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing in this October 16, 2007 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

DEEP REGRET

In his final statement, Zhou accepted the charges. "The basic facts are clear. I plead guilty and repent my wrongdoing," he said.

"Those involved, who bribed my family, were actually coming after the power I held, and I should take the main responsibility.

"I broke the law and Party rules incessantly, and the objective facts of my crimes have resulted in grave losses of the Party and the nation.

"The handling of my case in accordance with Party rules and the law reflects the authorities' determination to govern the Party strictly and advance the rule of law," Zhou added.

FULL PROTECTION OF ZHOU'S LEGAL RIGHTS

On April 3, prosecutors from Tianjin Municipal People's Procuratorate filed Zhou's case.

The court formed a collegiate bench authorized by the Supreme People's Court and sent a copy of the indictment to Zhou. It also informed the defendant of his litigation rights and obligations. The two lawyers hired by Zhou held a number of meetings with Zhou and reviewed the case files.

The court also held a pretrial meeting of prosecutors, the defendant and his legal team to hear their opinions and present evidence from both sides.

During the trial, prosecutors and defense attorneys examined the evidence, questioned witnesses and fully expressed their opinions of the facts, application of the law and sentence measurement.

The court supported opinions from the defense that were based on the facts and had legal standing, it said.

The legitimate litigation rights of Zhou and his defense attorneys were fully guaranteed, the court added.