Former governor of China's Xinjiang sentenced in bribery

Beijing, Dec 2 (AP) The former governor of China's restive northwestern region of Xinjiang has been sentenced to life in prison on charges of taking bribes. Nur Bekri had been one of China's highest-profile politicians from the Turkic Muslim Uighur ethnic minority, more than 1 million of whom have in recent years been detained in political re-education camps.

State media reports said Bekri was sentenced Monday and showed pictures of him standing in the dock but gave no details about his alleged crimes. Bekri has also served as head of the National Energy Administration.

President and head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping has waged a years-long campaign against corruption in the party and government. Critics say it has allowed him to eliminate political rivals as well as root out near-endemic graft. (AP) PMS

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