Bloggers admit deleting posts, spreading rumors

Pair took payment from companies to remove negative comments

A Chinese micro-blogger pleaded guilty on Thursday to helping others delete critical posts and spread false information on the Internet, saying he did it for profit and to attract followers.

Yang Xiuyu, founder of Erma Co and also known online as "Lier Chaisi", stood trial at Beijing Chaoyang District People's Court, accused of illegal business operations after receiving 531,200 yuan ($86,300) to help clients remove unfavorable online posts and publish rumors from May 2012 to September 2013.