197 punished for spreading rumors about stock market, Tianjin blast

Smoke rises over damaged containers and cars after a huge explosion rocked the port city of North China's Tianjin, August 13, 2015. [Photo/CFP]

BEIJING - A total of 197 people have been punished in a special campaign by Chinese police targeting online rumors about China's stock market, the recent fatal explosions in Tianjin or other key events.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Public Security on Sunday said that 165 online accounts were closed for relevant violations.

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."

According to the statement, these people are punished for circulating rumors 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 rumors about China's upcoming commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The ministry statement pledged strict measures to enforce rule of law and punish violations on the Internet and called on Internet operators to strengthen management to ensure cyberspace order.