Wife of disgraced Chinese politician charged with murder of UK businessman (From Your Local Guardian)

Wife of disgraced Chinese politician charged with murder of UK businessman

1:00pm Saturday 28th July 2012 in News By Hannah Williamson

The wife of a disgraced Chinese politician has been charged with the murder of UK businessman Neil Heywood.

Gu Kailai, the wife of communist boss Bo Xilai, and Zhang Xiaojun who was employed at Mr Bo's home, were "recently" prosecuted by a Chinese Court.

Mr Heywood, a father-of-two from Kensington, was found dead in a hotel room in the city of Chongquing, southwest China, on November 14 last year.

It was initially thought Mr Heywood died of excessive drinking, but three months ago the government announced it was investigating Mrs Kailai in connection with his death.

In April Mr Heywood's mother Ann who lives in Streatham, said the news her 41-year-old son may have been killed by Gu Kailai, had come as a "total shock."

Speaking outside her home, Mrs Heywood told several national newspapers: "I’m horrified. This has come as a total shock."

The Chinese state media is reporting the trial of Mrs Kailai, 53, will be "fair and transparent."

The Global Times, a nationalist newspaper, part of the People's Daily stable said in an editorial: "Speculation has been swirling.

"We believe the court can live up to the expectations of the public and deliver a fair trial."