Judicial rule stipulates punishments for cult-related crime

China's top court and procuratorate on Wednesday issued a judicial interpretation, stipulating that serious cult crimes such as preaching to juveniles should receive harsher penalties.

The interpretation by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, said that more severe punishments should also be handed down for colluding with overseas organizations or individuals, in cult activities.

State officials, schools or other education institutions participating in cult activities should also be subject to harsh penalties.

According to the document, using a cult to undermine the law or administrative regulations, such as organizing crowds to attack state organs, public venues or religious sites, or forming cult groups with more than 50 members, will receive sentences of imprisonment of three to seven years.

In serious cases, the term may be as long as life imprisonment, the interpretation said.

Using cults to incite others to commit suicide or self-injury will be deemed as intentional homicide or injury in convictions.

The document also stipulated leniency terms for those who have truthfully repented and quit groups and activities. Endi