Bo wife's refusal to appear in court damaged credibility, say experts

Evidence Bo Xilai's wife gave against him would have been more credible if she had delivered it in person, lawyers say.

Instead Gu Kailai's testimony was relayed through an 11-minute video and written statements.

Taken together, they portray Gu and the couple's son, Bo Guagua , as closely involved in the alleged corruption. She told the court property tycoon Xu Ming bought a luxury villa in France on the family's behalf, and he paid for luxurious trips for Bo Guagua.

But legal experts said Gu should be summoned in person to make her evidence more convincing. On Friday, Bo Xilai said he had twice requested that Gu testify in person, but the court said she had refused.

Under mainland law, a spouse cannot be compelled to testify against his or her partner, but she has apparently decided to waive this right. "If she gave up that right, then she should attend the court trial and be cross-examined," said a legal expert familiar with the case.

The expert said the court should have ordered Gu to be mentally assessed before testifying. At her own trial in August last year, Gu admitted to murdering British businessman Neil Heywood, but blamed her actions on a mental breakdown. She received a suspended death sentence.