"The sentence is reasonable and reflects judicial initiative.

During the two-year reprieve, the court can reduce Liu's sentence if he makes contributions to the case or performs well, or it can carry out the death penalty if finds new problems.

After all, Liu is the former minister and the court handled the case carefully."

Lin Zhe, a law professor at the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee

"Liu's case is extremely serious, but he was introspective after he was investigated and during the trial.

Liu's bribery crime cannot be wiped out, but he has also contributed to the development of the country's high-speed railway network."

Zhu Lijia, a professor of public administration at the Chinese Academy of Governance

"Given the huge amount of bribes Liu took, I don't think he should receive a suspended death sentence.

Liu's bribery has brought great losses to the country, which cannot be offset by his confession or contributions to railway development.

The punishment for the former minister is not as heavy as I expected."

Yang Xiaojun, a law expert at the Chinese Academy of Governance

(China Daily USA 07/09/2013 page4)