In the prosecution’s closing arguments in the trial of Bo Xilai, the state urged the court to punish the former Chinese Politburo member with a severe sentence because of his lack of remorse over alleged corruption and abuse of power.

The trial came to a close after the final arguments from both sides.  The verdict, which many observers believe was decided a long time ago, will be announced later, possibly at the beginning of next month.

Bo said he was a victim of “fabricated evidence” of more than A$10 Million in bribes and payoffs, and of a close relationship between his wife and his police chief; both testified against him after being convicted of other charges.

Bo’s closing statements bordered on a campaign speech at times, hitting on themes of filial piety, simplicity and tradition that appeal to his support base, made up mostly of farmers and workers at the lowest rung of society who have been left behind by economic development in the cities, and disillusioned by perceived immorality of party cadres getting rich.

The fall of Bo Xilai is China's biggest political drama in decades.