Myanmar court issues arrest warrant for a Buddhist monk known for incendiary comments about the country's Muslim minority and for criticism of the government.
The warrant, issued in Yangon at police request, charges Wirathu with sedition for insulting comments he made at a nationalist rally on May 5 about Suu Kyi, while comparing the military's representatives in parliament to Buddha.
If found guilty, Wirathu could be sentenced to three years to life in prison. Under Myanmar law, he would have to be defrocked by Buddhist authorities before he could be arrested. That might be difficult, as Wirathu has a large amount of influence among his fellow monks, which might allow him to delay or defy any action against him.
There is widespread prejudice in Myanmar against the Rohingya, who are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even though many families have lived in Myanmar for generations. Muslims from other ethnic groups also faced disrespect and occasional violence after Wirathu and his supporters launched their nationalist campaign.
His virulent speech caused the National Monks Council to ban him from giving public talks for a year, but it was not tightly enforced.His criticisms of Suu Kyi in April and May this year came ahead of a 2020 election that will again pit her against supporters of the military.
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