Gu Kailai murder trial set to begin this week

The murder trial of Gu Kailai, wife of former Chinese Politburo member Bo Xilai, is set to begin Thursday in China’s eastern Anhui province, The New York Times reported, citing a person familiar with the case. Gu and an accomplice are accused of killing Neil Heywood, a British businessman and former associate. If convicted, they could face the death penalty. State media last week said the evidence against the defendants is “irrefutable and substantial,” but suggested that, because the crime may have been committed to protect her son, Gu could escape a death sentence. The trial will be held at the Intermediate People’s Court in Hefei. Although the public and foreign news media are almost certain to be barred from the trial, British diplomats and family members of Heywood may be able to attend.