Chapter 80 - 69: The Trial Begins! Listing the Numerous Crimes

"Please be seated," Zhang Bingxin said.

Everyone took their seats.

Zhang Bingxin glanced at the time and began without further delay:

"The defense, the prosecution, the plaintiff, and the representative for the civil suit..."

"Are all parties prepared to proceed with this case?"

From the defense table, lawyer Zhang Wei took a deep breath. His expression was grim as he spoke:

"The defense is ready."

Zhang Bingxin nodded and turned to the prosecution.

Xu De did not speak immediately. Instead, his gaze fell upon Huang Shi.

Noticing nothing out of the ordinary, Huang Shi also rose. He nodded and said, "The prosecution is ready."

Seeing that he was ready, Xu De then spoke. "The plaintiffs in the civil suit are ready."

With no objections from any party, Presiding Judge Zhang Bingxin took a deep breath. His expression turned solemn as he held up a document and announced in a clear, loud voice.

At that moment, not only those inside the courtroom but also the reporters waiting outside strained their ears, listening with bated breath.

Zhang Bingxin spoke:

"This case, brought by the public prosecution agency, the Lusen City People’s Procuratorate, accuses the defendants Liu Jingqi, Qiao Wang, and Jiang Yu of causing the death of Yang Jiale and indirectly causing the death of Zhao Li. The public prosecution was filed with this court on December 21, 2002."

"In accordance with relevant regulations, this case is being tried by the First Criminal Tribunal of the Lusen City Intermediate People’s Court."

"For this case, I, Judge Zhang Bingxin, will serve as the presiding judge. The court clerk is..."

"I now declare this case..."

As Zhang Bingxin spoke, he paused. His right hand gripped the gavel on the bench, and he raised it high.

The next moment...

"CRACK!"

The sharp sound echoed throughout the courtroom, so loud that even the crowd at the entrance could faintly hear it.

"Court is now in session!"

As those words were spoken, an invisible pressure filled the room, making everyone unavoidably tense.

"Bring in the defendants!"

Zhang Bingxin announced without hesitation.

The bailiffs had been expecting the order. Moments later, three girls in prison uniforms were escorted into the courtroom.

Liu Jingqi still wore a nonchalant expression, her eyes darting about to satisfy her curiosity.

Qiao Wang’s eyes showed a hint of fear, while Jiang Yu forced herself to appear composed.

"CLANK!"

The three of them were led to the center of the courtroom and seated in the defendant’s box, becoming the focus of all eyes.

Zhang Bingxin paid the three no mind, turning instead to face Huang Shi.

He said in a solemn voice:

"Mr. Prosecutor, please read the indictment."

’The indictment... Now for the arraignment!’

Huang Shi felt a fresh wave of pressure settle on his shoulders. ’He had no idea how he was going to secure a conviction, but it was too late to turn back now...’

"Your Honor, members of the court, I am the public prosecutor, Huang Shi."

"Defendant Liu Jingqi, age 16, born January 1, 1986, was arrested on November 17, 2002."

"Our investigation has determined that the defendants, Liu Jingqi, Qiao Wang, and Jiang Yu, engaged in long-term bullying of the victim due to personal disputes."

"On the day of the incident, they forcibly took the deceased, Yang Jiale, to the rooftop of No. 18 Middle School, where they subjected her to humiliation, physical assault, and intentional injury..."

Huang Shi stood, his expression grave. He stared at the indictment in his hands as he continued in a somber tone:

"These actions ultimately led directly to the death of the victim, Yang Jiale, and indirectly to the death of another victim, Zhao Li!"

"Therefore."

"The ringleader, defendant Liu Jingqi, has clearly committed offenses under Article 234 of the Criminal Law: Intentional Injury."

"Article 293 of the Criminal Law: Provoking Trouble; Article 263 of the Criminal Law: Robbery; and Article 232 of the Criminal Law..."

"Intentional Homicide!"

At this, Huang Shi looked up, his gaze solemn. He addressed the court and declared in a heavy voice:

"The facts of the defendant’s crimes are clear, and the evidence is both credible and sufficient!"

"Our office has lawfully filed this public prosecution, and we petition this court..."

"To deliver judgment in accordance with the law!!!"