By Karen Diep
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia
BEIJING, China – On August 9th, Gu Kailai’s murder trial will begin in the eastern city of Hefei. Ms. Gu, the wife of former Communist Party member, Bo Xilai, will face a jury for the alleged murder of British businessman, Neil Heywood.
In early April, authorities arrested Mr. Gu and last week, prosecutors charged Ms. Gu with intentional homicide. If convicted, Ms. Gu may face the death penalty.
On November 15, 2011, Mr. Heywood was discovered dead in his hotel. Chinese authorities allegedly quickly categorized his death as overconsumption of alcohol. Furthermore, Mr. Heywood’s body was cremated without an autopsy.
Prior to his death, Mr. Heywood resided in China for over a decade with his Chinese wife. Moreover, he consulted with various companies, including a company founded by former MI6 agents, Britain’s secret intelligence service.
When Wang Lijun, Mr. Xilau’s long-time lieutenant, sought political asylum last February at a U.S. Consulate, suspicion arose. According to CNN, Mr. Lijun feared for his life because he was holding incriminating information against Mr. Xilau, the former Communist Party chief.
Mr. Wang had previously headed Mr. Xilau’s campaign against organized crime. However, after Mr. Wang voiced that Mr. Heywood might have been poisoned during a business dispute with Ms. Gu, trouble between the two ignited.
According to The Telegraph, Ms. Gu poisoned Mr. Heywood after he allegedly threated her son. Mr. Heywood and Ms. Gu’s son purportedly clashed over their “economic interests.” Fearing for her son’s safety, Ms. Gu, with her house aid, who is also facing the jury, poisoned Mr. Heywood.
A UK Foreign Office spokesman reassured that Britain is dedicated to finding justice for Mr. Heywood’s family. “The details of the ongoing investigation are a matter for the Chinese authorities,” shared a Foreign Office spokesman last week. “However, we are glad to see that the Chinese authorities are continuing with the investigation. We are dedicated to seeking justice for him and his family and we will be following developments closely.”
For more information, please see:
Telegraph News – Gu Kailai poisoned Neil Heywood ‘after he threatened her son’ – 05 Aug. 12
BBC – Heywood murder: China sets Bo Xilai wife trial date – 04 Aug. 12
CNBC – China to hold Gu Kailia muder trial on Aug 9: sources – 04 Aug. 12
CNN – Murder trial starts next week for Chinese politician’s wife, friend says – 03 Aug. 12
