Trial of 31 opens in SW China on organized crime charges

CHONGQING, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-one people stood on trial Monday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on charges of crimes in connection to "mafia-style" organizations run by billionaire Li Qiang, who was among the accused.

Li Qiang (C) is escorted to Chongqing No. 5 Intermediate People's Court in Chongqing, China, Oct. 26, 2009. Thirty-one people stood on trial Monday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on charges of crimes in connection to "mafia-style" organizations run by billionaire Li Qiang, who was among the accused.(Xinhua/Yang Lei)

The trial is proceeding at the Chongqing No. 5 Intermediate People's Court, and is expected to last five days.