Former official in China sentenced to death

In China’s legal practice, a death sentence with a reprieve is usually commuted to life imprisonment

The court of Nanchang city in Jiangxi province handed down a death sentence with a two-year reprieve to ZHU Zhisu, former member of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Party Committee, for taking exceptionally large bribes, according to Kazinform’s correspondent in Beijing citing Xinhua.

The investigation established that between 2003 and 2024, the defendant abused his official position for personal gain. Holding party and state posts, he assisted organizations and individuals in conducting business, obtaining construction contracts, loans, and financing.

For these unlawful acts, the official personally or through intermediaries received money and property. The total amount of bribes exceeded 139 million yuan, equivalent to 19.46 million US dollars.

The court sentenced Zhu Zhisu to death with a two-year reprieve, lifelong deprivation of political rights, and confiscation of all personal property. All seized corrupt assets were transferred to the state.

The two-year reprieve was granted in consideration of mitigating circumstances. The defendant fully admitted guilt, repented, and voluntarily disclosed corruption episodes unknown to investigators. His active cooperation allowed authorities to recover most of the illegally acquired assets.

In China’s legal practice, a death sentence with a reprieve is generally commuted to life imprisonment if the convict does not commit new crimes during the two-year probationary period. Later, with exemplary behavior, this term may be further reduced.

Photo: Nanchang City Court.

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