Gu Kailai Murder Trial Date Supposedly Set

Gu Kailai, the wife of disgraced Chongqing Party Secretary Bo Xilai will face trial on August 9, that’s according to Reuters, based on two of their sources. Both asked to remain unnamed.

Gu is accused of murdering British businessman Neil Heywood. If convicted, she faces the death penalty. Also charged with Heywood’s murder is an aid to the Bo family, Zhang Xiaojun. British diplomats have asked to attend the trial. CNN has reported that two family members of the defendants will be allowed to attend. While Bo Xilai has not been named a suspect, Gu’s trial is seen as closely tied to his political fortunes.

Bo was removed from his position of power the same day as Gu was officially arrested, though she had disappeared from public view just prior. Bo is also being investigated. His future hinges on the outcome of a power tussle between senior Communist Party leaders