Myanmar jails Muslims over religious violence

AL JAZEERA:  A court in Myanmar has sentenced seven Muslims to prison on charges of religious violence that left dozens dead. The men were accused of murdering a Buddhist monk in the town of Meiktila that sparked violence elsewhere across the region. So far, no Buddhists have been charged in connection with the religious violence. Government prosecutors in the region claim that both sides are being treated and charged equally. In total, 87 people have been arrested and only 38 of those have been Buddhist. The President has sent the army to restore order against "political opportunists and religious extremists". Human Rights activists have come forward in protest against the arrests suggesting that the violence has been targeted against Muslims only. Muslims make up 4% of Myanmar's population. Last year over 200 people were killed in Buddhist-Muslim violence including mostly Muslim Rohingya who are denied citizenship in the country.

Emily Goodfellow
LEV 350 (#9)