Detained writer denied bail in religion-insulting case
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Writer Htin Lin Oo, also a former officer of National League for Democracy who was arrested for insulting Buddhism, was denied bail after attending his 5th court hearing at the Chanug-U Township court on January 15.
His lawyer, Thein Than Oo, said that he will appeal for changing of the court.
“My client was denied bail on all the five court appearances. If the judge gives bail, I think unnecessary things will emerge at the court. So, I will appeal for hearing the trial at different court,” said his lawyer.
Besides, his lawyer said concerning his client speech, his client said mostly about the politics and very few on the religion.
The 6th court appearance will be held on January 23.
The writer was accused of insulting the religion through a speech at a literary event in Thone-pan-hla model village in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region on October 23.
From a 1.40-hour speech, a 10-minute excerpt was widely shared in social media.
The writer then said “My words like "Buddhism is not our national race," "If you want to be an extreme nationalist, don't be Buddhist," were highlighted, along with "Will all monks do and say be right?" Why will we worship the Buddha without knowing whether or not he has big eyes or sharp nose?"
His lawyer insisted that the segment was purposefully misinterpreted by extremists.
"His intention was to expose things that are bad for Buddhism, like extremism and racism," Thein Than Oo said. "His actual intention was to ask for more tolerance."
On January 15, Htin Lin Oo went to pay respect to Buddhist monks.
“I paid respect to the monks because the monks may feel uneasy about what I’ve said. I really didn’t want to hurt them as I am a Buddhist. I insist that I said nothing wrong,” he said.
