Cult crimes to be harshly punished

China will impose more severe punishments on organizations defined as cults and cult-related crimes, according to a draft amendment to the Criminal Law delivered to the country's top legislature for review on Monday.

Under the amendment, if a person organizes or makes use of a religious institution or cult organization, or spreads superstitions to undermine national laws or regulations, he or she will face a prison term of three to seven years and fines.

The amendment was delivered for its first reading during the current bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.