| Chongqing gang trials | |||||||||
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 Chongqing is a large municipality in China's interior. | |||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 重慶打黑除惡專項行動 | ||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 重庆打黑除恶专项行动 | ||||||||
| Literal meaning | Targeted actions against dark and evil forces in Chongqing | ||||||||
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The Chongqing gang trials (or dahei campaign) were a series of triad-busting trials in the city of Chongqing that began in October 2009 and concluded in 2011. Carried out under the auspices of municipal Communist Party chief Bo Xilai and police chief Wang Lijun, a total of 4,781 suspects were arrested, including 19 suspected crime bosses, hundreds of triad members, and a number of allegedly corrupt police, government and Communist party officials, including six district police chiefs and the city's former deputy police commissioner, Wen Qiang.[1] Time described it as "China's trial of the 21st century".[2] The crackdown is believed to be the largest of its kind in the history of the People's Republic of China. Concerns over due process surfaced following the trial, including allegations of torture, forced confessions, and intimidation.[3]
The trials earned significant media attention for local party chief Bo Xilai, and its implications partially contributed to Bo's downfall in March 2012. Police chief Wang Lijun was also later convicted of abuse of power and went to prison.
- ^ "Police held in China gang probe". BBC News. UK: BBC. 21 August 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
- ^ Elegant, Simon (21 October 2009). "China's Underworld on Trial in Chongqing". Time. Archived from the original on 24 October 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009.
- ^ LaFraniere, Sharon (27 March 2012). "Crime Crackdown Adds to Scandal Surrounding Former Chinese Official". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 March 2012.