‘Cult’ leader in China prosecuted for rape and fraud

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.

Prosecutors in the southern province of Guangdong are charging Wu Zeheng, founder and leader of Huazang Dharma, and several others, after a year-long probe, Xinhua said.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom says Wu and his followers are being persecuted for their religious beliefs.