Microblogger goes on trial for running a gambling house

Guo Meimei stands trial at Beijing Dongcheng District People's Court on Thursday. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

Guo Meimei, a Chinese microblogger who was charged with operating a gambling house, went on trial at Beijing Dongcheng District People's Court on Thursday.

Profile of Guo Meimei and her pictures Guo tarnished reputation of Red Cross by showing off her extravagant lifestyle online. [Full story]

Guo, 24, wearing white -shirt and black pants and appearing in good spirit, was taken to the No 2 courtroom at 9:30 am. More than 50 journalists and a number of curious onlookers packed the courtroom.

Guo was accused of operating a casino thrice at an apartment in Beijing in 2013, in collusion with her foreign boyfriend and others, and the gambling money totaled more than two million yuan, according to the prosecutors. In the courtroom, Guo admitted the charges but said she made a mistake, short of commiting a crime.

Her charge dates to July last year, when Beijing police cracked an Internet soccer gambling den allegedly headed by Guo during the World Cup. In the operation eight gamblers were arrested immediately and a month later Guo was detained on suspicion of running the casino.

Guo was charged on May 21 with organizing group gambling.

Guo could face a sentence between three to 10 years, if found guilty and the court considers it a serious case, according to Yi Shenghua, a criminal lawyer in Beijing.