Former arts academy head expelled over “writing fees”
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Chinese anti-graft authorities said on October 9 that Lian Ji (連輯), former president of the China National Academy of Arts, had been expelled from the Communist Party for serious disciplinary and legal violations. The official notice said he accepted banquets in violation of rules and took money from others under the name of “writing fees”. It also accused him of seeking benefits for others in cadre appointments, business operations, engineering contracts and job adjustments by abusing his position. The case has been transferred to prosecutors for review and possible prosecution on suspected criminal offences
Key Points
- The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission announced the punishment on Friday, October 9, according to the official notice cited in the report
- Lian Ji was accused of accepting banquets in violation of rules and taking cash from others under the label of “writing fees”.
- Authorities said he improperly helped others in cadre selection and appointment work, using his role to secure benefits for specific people
- The notice also alleged he accepted gifts and cash gifts, while other people paid expenses that should have been borne by him personally
- Investigators accused him of trading power for money, helping others in business operations, engineering contracts and job adjustments, and illegally taking huge sums
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case shows how mainland disciplinary authorities continue to target corruption allegations in cultural as well as political institutions. It also underlines that payments framed as professional or literary honoraria can still be treated by investigators as disguised bribery when linked to official power and personal gain