China Approves Arrest of Former Shaolin Temple Abbot Over Embezzlement Allegations
Shi Yongxin, former head of the renowned Shaolin Temple, faces arrest for suspected financial misconduct.
BEIJING: Chinese authorities have announced their approval of the arrest of Shi Yongxin, the former abbot of the Shaolin Temple, which is historically recognized as the birthplace of kung fu.
The approval comes after allegations surfaced that Shi misappropriated funds and temple assets.
Initially removed from his position in July due to 'extremely bad behavior,' the ex-abbot now faces charges including embezzlement, misuse of project funds, and bribery while serving as a non-state employee.
The Xinxiang Procuratorate detailed these allegations in a statement on Sunday but did not clarify whether Shi has already been detained.
The Shaolin Temple, located in Henan province, has been under scrutiny over Shi's management practices, particularly his expansion efforts abroad and the establishment of numerous companies, which critics argue commercialized Buddhism.
Shi, who took office as abbot in 1999, had previously faced accusations from former monks of embezzlement, possession of luxury vehicles, and allegations related to his personal life.
In July, these claims led Beijing's Buddhist authority to cancel Shi’s ordination certificate, labeling his actions as detrimental to the reputation of the Buddhist community.
Established in AD 495, the Shaolin Temple holds significant historical and cultural value as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese kung fu.
The approval comes after allegations surfaced that Shi misappropriated funds and temple assets.
Initially removed from his position in July due to 'extremely bad behavior,' the ex-abbot now faces charges including embezzlement, misuse of project funds, and bribery while serving as a non-state employee.
The Xinxiang Procuratorate detailed these allegations in a statement on Sunday but did not clarify whether Shi has already been detained.
The Shaolin Temple, located in Henan province, has been under scrutiny over Shi's management practices, particularly his expansion efforts abroad and the establishment of numerous companies, which critics argue commercialized Buddhism.
Shi, who took office as abbot in 1999, had previously faced accusations from former monks of embezzlement, possession of luxury vehicles, and allegations related to his personal life.
In July, these claims led Beijing's Buddhist authority to cancel Shi’s ordination certificate, labeling his actions as detrimental to the reputation of the Buddhist community.
Established in AD 495, the Shaolin Temple holds significant historical and cultural value as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese kung fu.
