Update | Bo Xilai to go on trial on corruption and power abuse charges this week

The long-awaited trial of disgraced Politburo member Bo Xilai will open on Thursday in the capital of Shandong province, Xinhua reported yesterday.

Bo, whose downfall last year was China's most explosive political scandal in decades, will stand trial in the Intermediate People's Court in Jinan for alleged bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power.

"The open trial will start at 8.30am on August 22 at its 5th courtroom," Xinhua said, quoting the court announcement.

It was not clear whether Gu Kailai, Bo's lawyer wife who received a suspended death sentence over the murder of Briton Neil Heywood, would testify. "It cannot be ruled out that Gu will testify at the hearing," said a legal source with direct knowledge of the case, adding the family members of both Bo and Gu would possibly attend the trial.

The source said the trial was likely to last longer than one day.

Another source with close ties to the Bo family said that Bo, who has been in detention since April last year, gave authorities a list of five family members he would like to attend his trial.

They are elder brother Bo Xiyong; son Li Wangzhi from his first marriage; younger sister Bo Xiaoying; and younger brothers Bo Xicheng and Bo Xining.