Rio workers to appeal China trial
Rio Tinto’s China iron ore head Stern Hu, an Australian citizen, has decided not to appeal his 10-year sentence for accepting bribes and stealing commercial secrets, his lawyer said yesterday. However, his three Chinese colleagues will challenge the 29 March verdict, which put them behind bars for between seven and 14 years for accepting bribes. Australia, and other nations, have criticised their punishment as unduly harsh. The case was closely watched abroad and some observers say it signals a worsening environment for foreign businesses in China.