Authorities in China removed and placed under investigation Cui Maohu, head of the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) and one of the deputy directors of the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party.
A report on AsiaNews said official confirmation came from the Central Commission for Disciplinary Inspections and the National Supervisory Commission, the supreme anti-corruption body.
Cui is reportedly under investigation for committing “serious disciplinary infractions and breaking state laws,” according to authorities on March 18.
The report quoted the Sing Tao Daily saying that the official is being investigated primarily for issues related to his work in Yunnan, the province where he comes from.
The 57-year-old Cui, originally from Xuanwei, graduated philosophy from the Department of Political Science of Yunnan University and worked for years in the Organization Department of the provincial CCP Committee. He obtained the leadership of SARA in June 2022 and the position at the United Front.
Previously, SARA was known as the “Religious Affairs Bureau,” an independent body under the authority of the State Council (the central government).
In March 2018, it came under direct control of the party to serve as the United Front’s religious executive arm.
