Two former Chinese defense ministers sentenced to death (2 photos)

Both were found guilty of corruption offenses.





A military court in China sentenced two former defense ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, to death with a two-year reprieve.

It is noted that General Wei Fenghe served as head of the Chinese Ministry of Defense from 2018 to 2023. Li Shangfu succeeded him in March 2023. Prior to that, he served as director of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center and deputy commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Strategic Support Force.

According to Chinese media, investigators accused Li Shangfu of accepting and giving large bribes, as well as abusing his official position for personal gain. He is also said to have engaged in fraudulent procurement of military equipment. General Wei Fenghe was found guilty of providing "unlawful preferential treatment" in personnel matters and violating discipline.

In addition to the harsh sentences, the generals were also stripped of their political rights for life, expelled from the Communist Party, and had all their personal property confiscated.



Contrary to popular belief, generals are unlikely to face execution. China has a unique legal system with a two-year reprieve on death sentences. If a convicted person does not commit a deliberate crime within two years of imprisonment, the death penalty is automatically commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of further commutation or parole. However, even in this case, the convicted person can hope for a commutation to 25 years.