Temple names new abbot after scandal

Shi Yinle has been appointed the new abbot of the world-renowned Shaolin Temple in Henan province, two days after former abbot Shi Yongxin was placed under investigation for alleged embezzlement and misconduct, the temple said on Tuesday. Shi Yinle, 59, is currently the abbot of the White Horse Temple, also in Henan, and is deputy head of the Buddhist Association of Henan Province. "In accordance with the regulations on the appointment of abbots of Chinese Buddhist temples, after democratic evaluation and approval by the Shaolin Temple and following the relevant procedures, Venerable Yinle was invited to be the abbot of Shaolin Temple," the temple said in a statement. The Buddhist Association of China announced on Monday that Shi Yongxin's ordination certificate — a document confirming one's acceptance into the monastic community — had been revoked.

Former Inner Mongolia official sentenced

Du Zi, former deputy head of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years in prison for bribery, according to the Shenyang Intermediate People's Court in Liaoning province. An investigation found that from 2002 to 2015, Du used his various positions — including as mayor of Ordos and Party chief of Tongliao — to help individuals and entities with business operations and project contracting. In return, he accepted bribes totaling more than 81.91 million ($11.4 million) yuan, the court said.

China Daily