May 17, 2016

Myanmar religious tolerance activists face police action

Myanmar police said Monday said they have begun legal action against five protesters over a weekend rally intended to promote religious tolerance.

The move came as rights groups raise concerns about efforts by the new pro-democracy government to amend draconian laws on demonstrations.

Dozens of activists and students marched through Yangon on Saturday in a rare gesture of religious solidarity in the diverse nation, where rising Buddhist nationalism has stoked anti-Muslim sentiment and sporadic bouts of bloodshed in recent years.

Police said they decided to take action against five rally leaders — believed to be three women and two men of several faiths — because the campaigners had deviated from the agreed protest route. (Courtesy of thesundaily.my)

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