Chinese prosecutors order arrest of former government cult-buster and internet censor Peng Bo
- Peng is accused of party disloyalty, receiving bribes and failing to supervise the internet in China, says CCDI
- He once worked under Lu Wei, the disgraced internet tsar, who was jailed for 14 years for corruption in 2019
The Supreme People’s Procuratorate said in a statement that it had approved the order for Peng’s arrest and was moving the case forward.
In China, “cults” are deemed to be groups engaging in inhumane, antisocial or unconstitutional practices, which could involve violent crimes, fraud, sexual abuse or posing a threat to social stability.
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“Investigations have found that Peng Bo has lost his faith and was disloyal to the party,” the commission said in a statement earlier this month.
“He strayed from the decisions and plans laid down by the Party Central about the propaganda struggle over the internet.
“He also used his authority for his personal gain, sought benefits from internet companies, resisted investigations by the party and engaged in superstitious activities.
“He violated the eight-point requirements on frugal living, visited private clubs frequently and accepted invitations to extravagant banquets and dinners,” it added.
He retired three years later and began teaching new media at Peking University. He played a key role in establishing the Chang An Jian social media account run by the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission.
