SALON

Chinese politician’s wife due to hear verdict

Topics: From the Wires,

BEIJING (AP) — A fallen Chinese politician’s wife who confessed to killing a British businessman is due to hear the verdict Monday in her murder trial and Communist Party leaders might have decided against a death penalty for fear it might incite public sympathy for her.

The conclusion of Gu Kailai’s trial will be a step toward closing a scandal that has rocked the Chinese leadership as it prepares to hand over power to younger leaders.

Questions remain over the fate of her husband, Bo Xilai, a prominent figure who was dismissed in March as party secretary of the major city of Chongqing.

Analysts say Chinese leaders might have decided against a death sentence for fear it might stir outrage or make Gu look like a scapegoat for her husband.

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