China punishes mockery, questions about historical figures: 'This is self-wounding'

China has started to punish its residents who either criticize or mock historical figures in a move that sees the ruling party exert greater control over the nation’s population. 

China first adopted the law in 2018, but the amendments to the criminal code did not occur until March of this year. At least 15 people have faced punishment since the changes took effect. 

Authorities and officials have pursued punishment with an aggressive zeal: The Cyberspace Administration of China, which monitors the country’s internet, created telephone and online hotlines to encourage citizens to report violations, as well as publishing a list of "rumors" forbidden for people to discuss, The New York Times reported. 

The list of suggested topics to avoid discussing includes: Was Mao Zedong’s Long March really not so long? Did the Red Army skirt heavy fighting against the Japanese during World War II? Was Mao’s Son, Mao Anying, killed by an American airstrike during the Korean War because he lit a stove to make fried rice?