Son of Chinese General To Go On Trial Over Gang Rape Charges

Five months after the case hit the nerves of Chinese netizens, the son of a Chinese general is finally going on trial to face the gang rape allegations hurled against him and his friends.

Li Tianyi, son of Li Shuangjiang, dean of the music department of the People's Liberation Army Academy of Arts, was arrested by police in February for allegedly raping a young woman in Beijing.

On Monday, various Chinese media reported Li Junior was finally indicted, along with the other four. Chinese media likewise hinted the 17-year-old will be charged as an adult, although this still remains to be confirmed.

The impending trial, which the Chinese people saw as long overdue because of Li Junior's powerful connections, may well still be heralded a monumental scenario following the teener's very much publicised bad behaviour and illegal stunts.

Two years ago, then 15-year-old Li and another teenager figured in another controversy when they attacked a couple who allegedly blocked their driveway near the entrance of a residential community in Beijing. The younger Li was later sentenced to a year in detention in 2011. But he was reportedly released in six months.

If convicted over the rape allegations, Li Junior could draw a three- to 10-year jail time.