The trial of ousted former regional leader Bo Xilai on charges of bribery and covering up a murder would start at the beginning of this year, a court in southern China said Monday.
The court in Guiyang in Guizhou province denied media reports that said the trial would begin Monday.
"This is a rumour," a spokeswoman said by telephone.
The Global Times newspaper cited an unnamed source close to the Supreme People's Court as saying the expected 10-day trial would begin after a National People's Congress session that is to end in mid-March.
Bo, who was once tipped for high office, was ousted last year on charges of covering up the murder of a British businessman allegedly by his wife, abusing power and accepting bribes.
Hong Kong's Ta Kung Pao newspaper reported Friday that Bo's trial was to start Monday, citing "well-informed" sources in Beijing. The proceedings were to last three days, said the paper, which has strong links to the ruling Communist Party. dpa lw lns Author: Andreas Landwehr