Police nab doomsday

A nationwide crackdown on a doomsday cult has extended to Beijing, with police announcing the arrest of 17 worshippers of the so-called "Almighty God" cult in Changping Park, police said Thursday.

"They were equipped with loudspeakers and banners, claiming doomsday is coming and forcing passersby to join the cult to survive," according to a public release from the Municipal Public Security Bureau about the December 10 arrests.

Police say all 17 worshippers have been taken in custody for disturbing the social order, and they confessed they belong to the so-called Church of the Almighty God. Further investigation of the cult is still under way.

Wu Boxin, professor of criminal psychology with the Chinese People's Public Security University, told the Global Times that though it boomed mostly in rural places, Beijing cannot avoid its spread.

"It's difficult to tell how many 'Almighty God' followers there are in Beijing, maybe the number of worshippers is relatively small because Beijing has more educated people," said Wu, adding that even so, a considerable number of people are the targets of the cult.

"Those people who suffered great stress may need a religion to comfort them, especially for a metropolis like Beijing. Also senior citizens who have no beliefs, or laid-off woman workers who are in their 40s or 50s, are more likely to be influenced by the cult as they also need spiritual relief," said Wu.

Even youngsters may be targeted, especially the unemployed. Wu said the cult needs their computer skills for propaganda.