Blood Sample + BO Xilai Remains Endearing in Chongqing

choi

(1) Barbara Demick, China Inquiry Into British Man's Death May Include Blood Samples. Los Angeles Times, May 23, 2012.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nati ... ina-poison-20120523,0,615226.story

Quote:

"It was during this chaotic period [before Wang Lijun went to US consulate on Feb 6, 2012] that Wang apparently reached out to [Henry C Lee] * * * Wang and Lee were professional acquaintances who had met most recently in October, when both were keynote speakers at a forensics conference in Chongqing.

"Lee did not recall the exact date he received the phone call, but thought it was one week before Wang fled to the consulate. The blood sample never arrived in Connecticut.

"Bo is also likely to stand trial in the case [death of an Englishman], possibly on charges of obstructing the investigation. A political source said the trials could take place as early as July

"Wang is expected to be charged with treason shortly for seeking refuge at the consulate, although people familiar with the case said that he has cut a deal that would give him a reduced prison sentence. A well-connected Chinese editor said that Wang is staying in a comfortable villa in northwest Beijing.


(2) Keith B Richburg, In Chongqing, Bo Xilai’s legacy and popularity endure. Washington Post, May 22, 2012.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wo ... QATcVUhU_story.html

Quote:

"For the most part, a new regional leader appointed by the central authorities appears to be moving cautiously for fear of antagonizing Bo’s many backers. * * * Zhang [Dejiang] has shown no sign of rolling back the big-ticket construction projects and social welfare programs that made Bo something of a local hero.

"residents, particularly from Chongqing’s remote and rural areas, said they liked Bo for his emphasis on the poor. Under Bo, the government began distributing free cartons of milk to elementary school students in poorer areas. 'I think Bo set an example in caring about people’s lives, like improving security, and giving insurance to old people,' said Lan Zhongwei, 49, who ekes out a living hauling heavy cartons for shops and customers on his handcart. Lan described Bo as one of the few Communist Party officials who cared about people like him. 'I feel sorry for him,' Lan said.

"'Of course, we ordinary people think he’s a good leader,' said Liu Bin, a middle-aged taxi driver who recalled Bo’s role in resolving a drivers strike that won a reduction in fees paid to the taxi company. Liu mused about the possibility of getting ordinary people to show their support for Bo, saying that if local people 'all got together and appealed for Bo, do you think we might help him somewhat?'  He added quickly: 'I’m just dreaming. Who would dare organize such an event in China?'