China: 'Bo Xilai Letter' Hints At Comeback

Chinese politician Bo Xilai has maintained that he will be vindicated of corruption allegations, just days before he is due to hear the verdict in his trial.

In a letter circulating on the internet, said to be from the fallen Communist Party secretary, he suggests he will wait quietly in jail to be exonerated and that "everything will be clear one day".

He also blames his wife Gu Kailai for his legal troubles.

Bo's father, Bo Yibo, was imprisoned several times during his political career but was eventually rehabilitated and served as China's vice premier - and the letter suggests that the former Politburo member believes he will follow the same path.

"Dad has been imprisoned many times in life, and I will set him as my example!" the letter reads.

The letter's authenticity has not been verified but the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that two people with close ties to the Bo family had confirmed that it came from him.

The newspaper did not name its sources, which has been common with Hong Kong media covering the sensitive case.

Li Xiaolin, a prominent Beijing lawyer who has been advising the family of Bo's wife, said it is probably fake because the author hinted at a comeback - thought to be an unlikely prospect.

Li said: "How could he clearly state that intention?"

Bo, the former party leader in Chongqing city, was tried on charges of taking bribes, embezzlement and abuse of power last month in the eastern city of Jinan.

During the five day court trial, Bo mounted an unusually spirited defence, acknowledging mistakes in his leadership but admitting no guilt.

Observers believe Bo will be found guilty when the verdict is announced on Sunday. He could receive the death penalty but many expect him to receive a lengthy jail sentence.

His downfall is believed to have come in factional infighting ahead of China's leadership transition, but it was triggered by the killing of British businessman Neil Heywood.

Bo's wife Gu has been convicted of the murder, which Bo was accused of covering up.

"It is wrong that I have been implicated, but everything will be clear one day, and I will wait for it quietly in the jail," the letter reads.

The author also pledged not to bring disgrace to his parents and their glory.