“Bin Laden of Buddhism” Backpedals on Statements
In what many are describing as a public relations ploy, radical monk Wirathu, the self described “Bin Laden of Buddhism,” has denied claims that his radical, often violent rhetoric was a condemnation of Muslims. In a statement to AFP (Agence France-Presse), the 45 year old monk went on to say that the “969” campaign, for which he has been the primary spokesman, was not responsible for the recent violence and rioting that has erupted in past weeks. “We just targeted Bengalis who are terrorizing ethnic Rakhine (Buddhists)” said Wirathu,” We are just preaching to prevent Bengalis entering the country and…
Pressure Builds to End Ethnic Violence in Myanmar
(Author’s Note: Over the past month, violence and ethnic cleansing has wracked the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar, also formerly known as Burma, leaving thousands displaced and hundreds, possibly thousands dead. Though conventional media have been largely lax in their coverage of it, the independent media, such as The Progressive Press and Vice, with the help of bold journalists in the field, as well as networks such as EndGenocide.org, Anonymous and SavetheRohingya, have managed to bring greater attention to the plight of the Rohingya, as well as ethnic Muslims throughout Myanmar. We will continue to cover the story as it…
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