INTERNATIONAL DESK: Myanmar’s military junta has released controversial Buddhist monk Ashin Wirathu, known for his nationalist and anti-Muslim rhetoric, BBC reports.
He had previously been charged for sedition against the civilian government, which has since been deposed in a February military coup.
The firebrand monk is known for his pro-military views.
He has been dubbed the “Buddhist Bin Laden” over his speeches targeting Muslims, particularly the Rohingya.
In recent years he had appeared at pro-military rallies delivering nationalist speeches and criticising then-leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy government.
In 2019 he was charged with inciting “hate and contempt” against the civilian government.
Wirathu then went on the run, before surrendering to authorities in November last year. He had been awaiting trial since then.
On Monday the military government said that all charges against him had been dropped, but did not give any reasons.
It added that he was seeking treatment in a military hospital. Wirathu’s medical condition is not known.
Myanmar’s military junta has released controversial Buddhist monk Ashin Wirathu, known for his nationalist and anti-Muslim rhetoric.
He had previously been charged for sedition against the civilian government, which has since been deposed in a February military coup.
The firebrand monk is known for his pro-military views.
He has been dubbed the “Buddhist Bin Laden” over his speeches targeting Muslims, particularly the Rohingya.
In recent years he had appeared at pro-military rallies delivering nationalist speeches and criticising then-leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy government.
In 2019 he was charged with inciting “hate and contempt” against the civilian government.
Wirathu then went on the run, before surrendering to authorities in November last year. He had been awaiting trial since then.
On Monday the military government said that all charges against him had been dropped, but did not give any reasons.
It added that he was seeking treatment in a military hospital. Wirathu’s medical condition is not known.
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