The former aide to retired President Hu Jintao has been sentenced to life in prison.

The 59-year-old Ling Jihua was found guilty of accepting bribes, abuse of power, and illegally obtaining state secrets. He also reportedly committed adultery and used his power in exchange for sex. He, however, waived his right to appeal his sentence. The sentencing comes weeks after a closed-door trial was held last month by the First Intermediate People's Court in the city of Tianjin, DW reported. 

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Ling is the former deputy head of China's national political advisory body. He was formally arrested last year.

In a statement made during the trial, Ling said, "The trial today is engraved on my bones and in my heart."

Ling is the latest target of President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. In 2012, Ling was demoted from his position after Xi took office, The New York Times reported. The demotion also came after he was involved in a cover-up of his 23-year-old son's death.

The death of Ling's son, nonetheless, became big news in China despite media blackout as there were two young women involved in the crash. One of the two women was said to be partially clothed while the other one was completely nude. Ling's son died from the crash, and one of the two women also died months after. Many have questioned how the son of a party official could afford a Ferrari worth around $750,000.

Aside from Ling, two other senior party officials, identified as Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang have also been sentenced to life imprisonment. Both Bo and Zhou are said to be political enemies of Xi. 

Tagschina, Chinese presidential top aide, Corruption, anti-corruption project, President Xi Jinping, Ling Jihua, Sentenced to Life in Prison, retired President Hu Jintao