Life sentence for PLA general

Shanghai Daily reports:

A Chinese military court yesterday sentenced Guo Boxiong, former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, to life in prison for accepting bribes. 

Guo was also deprived of his political rights for life and stripped of his rank of general. His personal assets were seized, and all his illicit gains were confiscated and turned over to the state treasury. 

Guo pleaded guilty and decided not to appeal, according to a statement issued by the military court after the trial. 

The military court heard that Guo had taken advantage of his position to assist the promotion and reassignment of others, and had accepted huge amounts in bribes both personally and in collusion with others. 

Guo’s bribes were “extremely huge” and his crimes were “extremely serious.” However, he confessed, owned up to his misdeeds, repented in good faith, and all the proceeds of his crimes have been recovered, the statement read. 

The court carried out a closed-door trial as military secrets were involved. The trial has been conducted in a fair and independent manner, and its verdict could be tested by the law and time, the statement said. After accepting the case, the military court formed a collegial panel for the trial, sent a copy of the indictment to Guo and informed him of his rights and obligations in litigation. 

The defense counsel met with Guo and reviewed all the case files. 

Before the trial, the court convened a meeting with the prosecutors, defendant and defence counsel to hear opinions and review evidence. 

During the trial, the court conducted investigation into the alleged crimes, and the prosecution and defense adduced and cross-examined the evidence. 

The military court has fully safeguarded various litigation rights of Guo and his defense counsel in accordance with law, it added. As for others implicated in Guo’s case, the military court will deal with them in accordance with the law and announce verdicts, the statement said.

Sounds like a perfect trial, right? Query: why was the entire trial conducted behind closed doors? What's secret about bribery or corrupting the promotion process?