Shenzhen: China’s former agriculture and rural affairs minister Tang Renjian on Sunday was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve. The verdict was given by a court in Jilin province. The Changchun Intermediate People’s Court stated that the former minister confessed to accepting cash and property as bribes (worth 269 million yuan, USD 38 million) when he was serving in different government positions during 2007 and 2024, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

What Did The Court Said About The Former Agriculture Minister?

The Changchun Intermediate People’s Court ruled that Tang Renjian’s wrongdoings caused severe damage to the government and people and that is why he has been sentenced to the capital punishment.

Why Tang Renjian’s Death Penalty Suspended For Two Years?

Tang’s death penalty has been suspended for two years because he had confessed his crimes and vowed to return illicit gains and expressed remorse.

“All of Tang’s personal property will be confiscated, and his illegal earnings will be recovered and handed over to the national treasury,” the court said in its verdict.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Former agriculture minister Tang Renjian was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve.
• He confessed to taking bribes worth 269 million yuan (USD 38 million) between 2007 and 2024.
• His suspended death penalty came after he admitted guilt.
• Expelled from the Communist Party in November 2024, Tang previously served as Gansu governor and agriculture minister.

Expelled From Communist Party In 2024

The 62-year-old former minister was removed from the Communist Party in November 2024. He was expelled six months after the investigation initiated against him by the party’s anti-graft watchdog and removed from office.

He was the governor of Gansu Province from 2017 to 2020 before taking on the role of Minister of Agriculture. This situation is part of President Xi Jinping’s continuous anti-corruption initiative which has resulted in the removal of two former defence ministers – Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe.