China: 197 people punished for spreading rumours about stock market crash, Tianjin explosions

Beijing: A total of 197 people have been 'punished' in a special campaign by police targeting online rumours about China's stock market, the recent fatal explosions in Tianjin or other key events.[caption id="attachment_2414284" align="alignleft" width="380" class=" "] Representational image. Image courtesy: AFP[/caption]The ministry of public security said in a statement on Sunday that 165 online accounts were closed for relevant violations, Xinhua reported.The statement said people punished in the campaign expressed repentance over their misconduct that have "caused panic, misled the public and resulted in disorders in stock market or society".It said the people were punished for circulating rumours such as "man jumped to death in Beijing due to stock market slump", "at least 1,300 people were killed in Tianjin blasts" and some seditious rumours about China's upcoming commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.IANS