Judicial organs across the country should punish crimes and illegal activities committed by cults like the Falun Gong sect, to safeguard social stability and economic growth, and protect public property, Chinese top judge said.

Xiao Yang, president of the Supreme People's Court, told a meeting today that the decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on banning cults, preventing and punishing their activities has offered a legal means for judicial organs in their fight against any evil cult in China. He stressed that the criminal law and regulations must be enforced.

Judicial departments should select capable judges to deal with cases concerning crimes committed by cults, he said.