Shi Xuecheng faces allegations in 95-page dossier compiled by fellow Buddhist monks at Beijing monastery
One of Chinas highest-ranking Buddhist monks faces a government investigation after he was accused of demanding sexual favours from nuns.
Shi Xuecheng, the abbot at Longquan monastery, is accused of harassing and demanding sexual favours from numerous female nuns, according to a 95-page statement compiled by two fellow monks at the storied Beijing monastery.
The statement included testimony from the alleged victims which was leaked this week on social media. It prompted an outcry and an unusual level of coverage by state media before it was censored.
Chinas State Administration of Religious Affairs said on Thursday said it attaches great importance to the allegations raised and would investigate them.
Xuecheng and the monastery denied the accusations. The monastery said the reporting was based on fabricated evidence for the purpose of backstabbing master Xuecheng. The temple called such action illegal.
Xuecheng heads the Buddhist Association of China and serves on a political advisory body to the central government. He has published numerous books and has a large social media following.
Associated Press contributed to this story