“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…