Monks line up in Mandalay during a military junta-organised gathering to mark the Buddha’s birthday. Photo: AFP
Monks line up in Mandalay during a military junta-organised gathering to mark the Buddha’s birthday. Photo: AFP
Myanmar

Thousands of Myanmar monks celebrate Buddha’s birthday at junta-organised event, showing split in loyalties

  • Since the coup some monks have joined street protests opposing the brutal crackdown, while other religious leaders have defended the military junta
  • Monastic code prohibits some 300,000 Myanmar clergy from voting or taking part in political demonstrations, but monks are seen as having supreme moral authority

Monks line up in Mandalay during a military junta-organised gathering to mark the Buddha’s birthday. Photo: AFP
Monks line up in Mandalay during a military junta-organised gathering to mark the Buddha’s birthday. Photo: AFP
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