Internet rumormonger gets 3-year jail term

Qin Zhihui, known as "Qinhuohuo" in cyberspace, stood trial at the Chaoyang District People's Court in Beijing, capital of China, April 11, 2014. [File Photo/Xinhua]

A Beijing district court on Thursday gave an Internet rumormonger who defamed celebrities and the government a 3-year jail term.

Qin Zhihui, known as "Qinhuohuo" in cyberspace, was sentenced by the Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court for two years on defamation charge and another year for affray.

He was found guilty of spreading rumors about several celebrities including popular television hostess Yang Lan, as well as China's former Ministry of Railways, via Sina Weibo, China's Twitter-like service, from 2012 to 2013.