Gambling trial set to start for notorious micro-blogger

Guo Meimei tarnished reputation of Red Cross by showing off her extravagant lifestyle online

A Chinese micro-blogger who has been in the spotlight over the past few years will stand trial in a Beijing court on Thursday on suspicion of operating a gambling house.

The Dongcheng District People's Court said on its micro blog on Monday that it will hear the case of Internet celebrity Guo Meimei at 9:30 am Thursday.

Guo, 24, whose online posts tarnished the reputation of the Red Cross Society of China four years ago, was charged on May 21 with organizing group gambling.

The charge dates to July last year, when Beijing police found an Internet soccer gambling group during the World Cup allegedly headed by Guo. At the time, the police arrested eight gamblers, and one month later Guo was detained on suspicion of running a casino.

Guo's friend, Zhao Xiaolai, who also allegedly organized gambling, will stand trial with Guo, the court's micro blog added.

Yi Shenghua, a criminal lawyer in Beijing, said that he has kept an eye on the case, adding that if the two suspects are found guilty they will be given heavier punishments under the current Criminal Law.

Guo could face a sentence between three to 10 years, if found guilty and the court considers it a serious case.

"What the case's developments are and which legal procedure it is always affect the public's attention, and some media reported that Guo allegedly operated a gambling house overseas," he said.

The trial will open about four months after charges were filed, which in the lawyer's eyes is in line with the Criminal Procedure Law. "Investigations and getting evidence, especially those overseas, must cost much time," he added.

Guo became notorious at home and abroad in mid-2011, when she claimed on Sina Weibo that she was developing an organization under the auspices of the Red Cross.

At that time, she often publicly showed off her luxury possessions like Hermes handbags and Lamborghini sports cars. Her extravagant lifestyle and related posts triggered concerns on how the State-owned charitable organization used its donations.

After the case, the Red Cross said that some institutes and people had made up rumors against it, and decided to improve supervision of its members.

It said in a statement that it would continue to strengthen its brand-building capability, information sharing and management, and supply better services for the public.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn