Bo calls ex-aide a liar

Bo told the Jinan Intermediate People's Court on Sunday that his former right-hand man and ex-police chief in the south-western region of Chongqing, Wang Lijun, was "blatantly lying," and "a person of very vile quality who firstly, lied in court, and secondly, muddied the waters."

Bo claims that Wang faked testimony implicating Bo in covering up a murder committed by his wife, Gu Kailai. Wang told the court that when he told Bo that Gu had poisoned British businessman Neil Heywood, Bo was furious and punched him on his left ear, leaving him "bleeding from the mouth." Wang said Bo did not accept Gu's involvement in the murder and sacked him.

Wang then fled to a US consulate last year with revelations about Heywood's killing. Gu was convicted of murder and handed a suspended death sentence last year. Wang was sentenced to 15 years in prison for corruption, defection and other offenses.

The court released information about the proceedings via its feed on Chinese microblog Sina Weibo.

On Saturday, Bo admitted to shaming his country and poorly handling a defection attempt by Wang, but he denied trying to protect his wife from Wang's murder accusation.

Bo was an influential Communist regional leader in the southwestern city of Chongqing until the scandal surrounding Heywood's death forced his removal from power in 2012. He was remanded in police custody on charges of covering up a murder and abuse of power. He also faces charges of corruption and embezzlement.

ng/kms (AP, AFP, Reuters)