Firebrand Myanmar monk Wirathu released from prison

A nationalist Buddhist monk in Myanmar notorious for his anti-Muslim remarks has been freed from prison after charges that he tried to stir up disaffection against the country’s previous civilian government were dropped

BANGKOK -- A nationalist Buddhist monk in Myanmar notorious for anti-Muslim remarks was freed from prison on Monday after charges that he tried to stir up disaffection against the country's previous civilian government were dropped. The monk, Wirathu, became prominent in 2012 after deadly riots broke out between Buddhists and ethnic minority Rohingya Muslims in the western state of Rakhine. He founded a nationalist organization that was accused of inciting violence against Muslims. Muslims from other ethnic groups and in other areas also faced disrespect and occasional violence after Wirathu and his supporters launched their nationalist campaign. Time Magazine called Wirathu “The Face of Buddhist Terror” in a cover story in 2013. Wirathu and his supporters were also successful in lobbying for laws making interfaith marriages difficult.