The trial of Chinese politician Bo Xilai, charged with bribery, corruption and abuse of power began today.

According to the indictment posted by the court, Bo is accused of receiving bribes totalling 21.8m yuan (€2.66m) from two Chinese businessmen.

The charge for abuse of power is in relation to the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood in 2011, for which Bo's wife Gu Kailai was later convicted. 

Bo is the former leader of the Communist Party in the south west city of Chongqing but disappeared almost 18 months ago after Chinese authorities announced they were reopening their investigation into Heywood's death.

Bo faces multiple other charges and is widely expected to be found guilty.