A Chinese court sentenced Wang Lijun, former vice mayor and police chief of Chongqing Municipality, to 15 years in prison Monday after finding him guilty of bending the law for selfish ends, defection, abuse of power and bribe-taking.

Wang was charged with several crimes and received a combined punishment for all offenses, according to a verdict announced by the Chengdu City Intermediate People's Court in Sichuan Province.

Wang stated to the court that he would not appeal the sentence.

Wang received seven years in prison for the charge of bending the law for selfish ends, two years in prison and deprivation of his political rights for one year for the charge of defection, two years in prison for the power abuse charge and nine years in prison for the charge of bribe-taking. He received a combined punishment of 15 years and deprivation of his political rights for one year.

In February, Wang's positions and duties were adjusted.

Wang entered the US Consulate General in Chengdu without permission on February 6 and asked the US side for political asylum.

Wang left the US diplomatic mission of his own volition a day later after being persuaded by the Chinese side.

Wang produced important clues that exposed serious offenses committed by others. These clues played a key role in the investigation of other cases. 

Wang Lijun, as a state functionary who knew state secrets and defected to another country, should receive a heavy penalty according to the law.

After committing the crime of defection, Wang turned himself in and confessed to the crimes he had committed, which could be considered to be voluntary surrender and merit a lighter penalty.

He also produced important clues exposing serious offenses committed by others and played a key part in the investigation of those cases. This could be considered as a major meritorious service, which merits a lighter penalty.

Taking into consideration the crimes Wang committed, their social impact and the fact that Wang pled guilty and confessed to the crimes at trial, the court has handed down the verdict according to law.

Xinhua