Bo Xilai appeals life sentence

Ousted Chinese politician Bo Xilai, who was convicted of corruption, has appealed his life sentence.

The former Communist Party chief of Chongqing was sentenced on Sunday to life in prison for bribe taking, 15 years for embezzlement and seven years for abuse of power.

He denied all charges against him throughout his trial.

"He informed the court yesterday of his request for an appeal following the verdict," a lawyer with "direct knowledge" of the case was quoted as saying.

Another unnamed source said Bo would appeal against the "entire verdict."

More from GlobalPost: Bo Xilai convicted of corruption, sentenced to life in prison

Bo, 64, was removed from office last year amidst a scandal that hit his family when his wife was convicted in the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood.

Days before Bo's verdict was delivered, the former politician wrote a letter to his family that reiterated his innocence.

"I was dragged into this and really wronged, but the truth will come out one day," Bo wrote in a letter dated September 12, referring to the bribes allegedly taken by his wife and other scandals involving her and her friends.

"Meanwhile I will be waiting quietly in prison," Bo continued. "Dad was thrown into prison multiple times in his lifetime and I will look up to him as my role model."

Bo's late father, Bo Yibo, was a revolutionary contemporary of Chairman Mao Zedong and leader Deng Xiaoping. During the 1966 Cultural Revolution, he was persecuted, tortured and thrown in jail for over a decade.

"Dad and Mom have passed away, but their teachings are deeply ingrained in my mind," Bo wrote. "I will never bring disgrace to them and their glory. I can bear the suffering no matter how great it is.

"I have put Mom's photo by my bed. With her by my side, I don't feel lonely."