Zhang Hongbao 張宏堡 | |
|---|---|
 Zhang Hongbao | |
| Born | 5 January 1954[1] Harbin, China |
| Died | 31 July 2006 Arizona, USA |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, spiritual leader |
| Known for | Founder of Zhong Gong |
Zhang Hongbao (simplified Chinese: 张宏堡; traditional Chinese: 張宏堡) (5 January 1954, in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China[1] – 31 July 2006, in Arizona, USA) was the founder and spiritual leader of Zhong Gong, a Qigong-based new religious movement. He was also a wealthy businessman and a self-proclaimed leader of the Chinese democracy movement.
In 1999, Zhong Gong was officially classified as a cult and banned by the Chinese government, leading Zhang to seek political asylum in the United States. Following his relocation to America, several former Zhong Gong members would accuse Zhang of raping them under the pretext of "spiritual healing".[1][2]
Zhang died in a motor vehicle accident in Arizona in July 2006. No notable Zhong Gong activity has been reported since his death.
- ^ a b c Beijing Public Security Bureau (25 July 2000). "Zhang Hongbao Is a Criminal Suspect in China".
- ^ 我国官员表示张宏堡涉嫌刑事犯罪证据确凿. news.sina.com.cn (in Chinese). Sina. Retrieved 16 November 2023.