Prostitution-ring leader's death penalty upheld
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The death penalty given to a female gang boss for five gang-related convictions in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality was upheld by a higher court Wednesday.
The Chongqing Municipal Higher People's Court upheld the ruling of Chongqing's No. 5 Intermediate People's Court.
The execution will take place after the Supreme People's Court examines and approves the penalty.
Wang Ziqi was found guilty in August 2010 of five criminal counts, including organizing and leading a criminal gang, forcing others into prostitution, organizing prostitution, illegal imprisonment, and bribery.
Tao Minggu, another core member of the gang, was also sentenced to death by the court after being convicted of participating in the gang, forcing others into prostitution, organizing prostitution, illegal imprisonment and rape.
Wang and Tao were both deprived of their political rights for life and had all their assets confiscated.
Another gang member was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, while 23 others received sentences ranging from two years' imprisonment to life imprisonment.
Four Chongqing policemen received jail terms ranging from 3.5 years to 15 years for taking bribes from the gang in return for protection.
The gang was convicted of coercing hundreds of women into prostitution over a decade. The women worked in brothels disguised as teahouses, beauty salons and hotels.
