Sri Lankan monk jailed over case related to anti-Islamic comments

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) – A court in Sri Lanka Thursday sent to jail a prominent monk in a case related to anti-Islam comments.

Gnanasara Thera, a Buddhist monk, was jailed for nine months along with a fine after he failed to appear before the court which had issued an arrest warrant for him, according to the Newswire website.

The monk, who represents far-right organization Bodu Bala Sena, was sentenced to four years last year for his anti-Islamic remarks he made in 2016. He was released on bail while appealing the sentence. He was charged with causing harm to national and religious harmony.

Notably, Sri Lanka had in recent past witnessed anti-Muslim incidents which had triggered criticism by many, including Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The rights body of the OIC had said the majoritarian rhetoric and discriminatory measures in the island nation are "clear manifestations of Islamophobia."