BEIJING - Former railways minister Liu Zhijun has been charged for bribery and abuse of power, authorities said Wednesday.

The Second Branch of Beijing People's Procuratorate filed the charges against Liu with the city's No2 Intermediate People's Court. The court has accepted the case according to law, and will set a trial date.

The procuratorate has told Liu, the defendant, of his rights. It has interrogated the defendant, and heard the opinions of his legal defender during examination and prosecution.

According to the indictment issued by the Second Branch of Beijing People's Procuratorate, as a state functionary, Liu sought benefits for others by taking advantage of his position, and accepted financial incentives from others, which were of a huge amount.

The indictment said as a member of staff of a state organ, Liu engaged in malpractices for personal gains and abuse of power, leading to huge losses of public properties and of the interests of the state and its people.

With "especially serious circumstances," Liu should be subject to criminal liabilities for bribe taking and abuse of power according to law.