A prosecutor demanded severe punishment for disgraced politician Bo Xilai because of his lack of remorse as the court ended a five-day corruption trial that offered glimpses into the shady inner workings of China's elite.
The trial, aimed at cementing Bo's political downfall and wrapping up the scandal set off by his wife's murder of a British businessman, painted a colourful picture of how Bo's alleged misconduct enriched his family.
Prosecutors said on Monday the proceedings have shown adequate proof of Bo's guilt on charges of netting $US4.3 million ($A4.79 million) through bribes and embezzlement and abuse of power in interfering with the murder investigation.
"The defendant's crimes are extremely grave, and he also refuses to admit guilt. As such, the circumstances do not call for a lenient punishment but a severe one, in accordance with the law," the prosecutor said, according to a transcript of court proceedings.
Bo is accused of providing political favours to a businessman, Xu Ming, in return for having him at his family's beck and call. According to Bo's wife, Xu gave the family expensive gifts that included a villa in France and international airfare to three continents. Bo also is accused of funnelling $US800,000 in government funds from a secret project.
Bo denied the charges against him and assailed the prosecution's key witnesses - his former right-hand man and his wife. Throughout, Bo blamed his wife and others for netting the illicit money and assets, including a villa in France and funds from a secret government project, but largely denied knowledge of the misconduct.
China's newly installed leadership is hoping to move on from the scandal to cement its authority and fully focus on tackling serious economic and social challenges.
Bo's downfall also has been widely perceived as the result of his defeat in party infighting ahead of last autumn's once-a-decade leadership transition.
