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Chinese Communist Party Revises Its Disciplinary Code; Harsh Penalties for Online Violations

On August 26, a newly revised version of the Chinese Communist Party’s Disciplinary Regulations was published.

The Regulations not only draw red-lines for political discipline of party members and cadres, but also impose stricter requirements for party members’ online activities. Serious violators will even be expelled from the party.

Article 44 of the Regulations stipulates that those whose speech or behavior are out of line with the party’s Central Committee on major principles or who cause adverse consequences are subject to a warning or a severe warning. Those with more serious circumstances will have their official positions in the party revoked or be placed on probation. Those with grave circumstances will be expelled from the Party.

Article 45 stipulates that those who, via the Internet, openly publish articles, speeches, or statements that advocate bourgeois liberalization, oppose the four basic principles, and oppose the party’s reform and opening up policy will be expelled from the party.

Article 46 stipulates that those who, via the Internet and other means, publicly publish articles, speeches or statements in violation of the four basic principles, or in a violation or a distortion of the party’s reform and opening up policy, are subject to a warning or a severe warning if the circumstances are minor, or revocation of their official positions in the party or being placed on probation if their circumstances are more serious, and being expelled from the party if the circumstances are grave.

Article 46 also stipulates that those who, via the Internet and other means, improperly discuss the Party Central Committee’s major policies and sabotage the party’s unity should be undermined. If the circumstances are light, warnings or serious warnings should be given. If the circumstances are serious, official positions in the Party will be revoked or the individual will be placed on probation. If the circumstances are grave, the individual will be expelled from the Party.

Punishment is also in order for those who slander heroes, role models, or the party’s or the government’s leaders, distort the party’s history, spread political rumors, or leak information about things that should be kept secret.

Source: Global Times, September 24, 2018
http://china.huanqiu.com/article/2018-09/13099308.html