From BBC News:

A trial has begun of 12 people who are accused of involvement in a slave labour scandal in illegal mines and brick factories in northern China . Among those who went on trial on Wednesday are kiln boss Wang Bingbing and foreman Heng Tinghan , state news agency Xinhua said.

The charges include illegal detention, forced labour and murder, Xinhua said. An official at the court in Linfen city , Shanxi, said no verdict would be given on Wednesday, but another hearing would be held soon to issue a decision. [Full Text]

Photo: A former slave is treated for mental illness following his rescue.