Shandong Higher People's Court on Friday rejected Bo Xilai's appeal and upheld his original sentence of life imprisonment for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power.

The ruling, which also endorsed the first trial verdict to deprive Bo of his political rights for life, took immediate effect under China's Criminal Procedure Law.

In deciding to uphold the initial sentence, the court said the evidence was substantial and sufficient and legitimate trial procedures were followed.