Almost 200 punished for "spreading rumors" online

China’s Ministry of Public Security has punished 197 people in recent weeks for “spreading rumors” on the Internet, The New York Times reported, citing an announcement from the ministry. The “rumors” in question concerned the country’s ongoing stock market volatility, the recent explosions in the port city of Tianjin and the upcoming military parade on September 3 celebrating the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II. State-run news agency Xinhua reported on Monday that the ministry’s actions were the core of a “special campaign” by the police.