'Princeling' Defends Bo Xilai

The son of bounced Communist Party official Bo Xilai and convicted murderer Gu Kailai is speaking out against Chinese treatment of his parents. "Princeling" Bo Guagua, believed to be in the US, lashed last week's accusations against his dad, including bribe-taking and a string of affairs with women. "It is hard for me to believe the allegations that were announced against my father, because they contradict everything I have come to know about him throughout my life," said the 24-year-old Harvard-educated son on Tumblr. "The father I know is upright in his beliefs and devoted to duty. He has always taught me to be my own person and to have concern for causes greater than ourselves."

Bo presented the link to the statement when he was asked by the Wall Street Journal for his response to Chinese officials' actions last week launching criminal proceedings against his father. He said he expects the "legal process to follow its normal course, and I will await the result." Bo last spoke out in spring in the Harvard Crimson, expressing concern about his parents, and denying criticism in China that he was leading the life of a playboy. His mom was recently given a suspended death sentence for killing British businessman Neil Heywood, and observers believe his father will soon be handed a stiff sentence for allegations of wrongdoing as well. (More Bo Xilai stories.)