U.S. sanctions Chinese official over human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners

The man and his immediate relatives are barred from entering the U.S.

Published: May 12, 2021 4:48pm

Updated: May 12, 2021 5:32pm

Secretary of State Blinken on Wednesday announced the designation of a Chinese Communist Party official in connection with human rights breaches against Falun Gong practitioners.

Yu Hui, the former office director for the "Central Leading Group on Preventing and Dealing with Heretical Religions" of Chengdu, Sichuan province, is barred from entering America, as are his immediate relatives.

"He is designated for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the arbitrary detention of Falun Gong practitioners for their spiritual beliefs," Blinken said.