China jails billionaire for 18 years

China has sentenced one of its billionaires to 18 years imprisonment.

Sun Dawu is considered one of China’s outspoken wealthy men.

Local media reports say he is one of many Chinese outspoken businessmen that have been punished.

Mr Dawu, aged 67, according to reports, operates one of China’s largest private agricultural businesses in the northern province of Hebei.

Reports indicated that he has been outspoken against the Chinese government, especially on issues of human rights and politically sensitive topics.

The Court reportedly found him guilty of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”.

He was also charged for illegally occupying farmland, assembling a crowd to attack state agencies and obstructing government workers from performing their duties.

In addition to the prison sentence, reports say Dawu was fined 3.11 million yuan ($478,697; £343,227).

By Melvin Tarlue

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