Crackdown on hoax terror threats

Court clarifies term for false info that has 'serious consequences'

Those convicted of fabricating false rumors of terrorist threats or natural disasters will be sentenced to at least five years in prison if the consequences are deemed serious, a spokesman for the Supreme People's Court said on Sunday.

"Over the past few years, China has seen many cases of terrorist threats being invented for the purposes of blackmail, taking revenge or just for fun. Such acts have caused panic among the public and disturbed public order," said Sun Jungong, spokesman for the Supreme People's Court, during a news briefing.