Firebrand Myanmar monk Wirathu released from prison
Source: AP
By GRANT PECK
BANGKOK (AP) — A nationalist Buddhist monk in Myanmar notorious for anti-Muslim remarks was freed from prison on Monday after charges that he tried to stir up disaffection against the country’s previous civilian government were dropped.
The monk, Wirathu, became prominent in 2012 after deadly riots broke out between Buddhists and ethnic minority Rohingya Muslims in the western state of Rakhine. He founded a nationalist organization that was accused of inciting violence against Muslims.
Muslims from other ethnic groups and in other areas also faced disrespect and occasional violence after Wirathu and his supporters launched their nationalist campaign. Time Magazine called Wirathu “The Face of Buddhist Terror” in a cover story in 2013.
Wirathu and his supporters were also successful in lobbying for laws making interfaith marriages difficult.
FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 file photo, Buddhist monk and anti-Muslim community leader Wirathu speaks during a pro-military rally in front of city hall in Yangon, Myanmar. A ultranationalist Buddhist monk notorious for his anti-Muslim remarks was freed from prison Monday, Sept. 6, 2021 after charges that he tried to stir up disaffection against Myanmar's previous civilian government were dropped. News of the release of Wirathu was reported by People Media, an online newsite, which said on Facebook that it had received confirmation from Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the Myanmar military, also known as the Tatmadaw. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw, file)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/religion-myanmar-d8d7f1f0619fb9b59d76380b47ce2214
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