China will prosecute the leader of a “cult” on charges of rape, fraud, sabotage, and other crimes, state news agency Xinhua said, as the government deepens a crackdown on illegal religious movements.

China’s Communist Party is bringing its pivotal conclave to a close in largely choreographed steps a day before unveiling its new leaders for the coming decade.

ARMED police have sealed off a village in southern China after violent clashes with residents that rights group Amnesty International said marked the first time Chinese police had fired on protesters since 1989.