Man in monk robes begging fined two years in prison for defaming religion

It is reported that a man who was begging in monk robes inside the market in Oakkyin town, Taungoo District, Bago Region, was sentenced to two years in prison by the Oakkyin Township Court on September 8, after being investigated and arrested by township religious officials and charged under Section 295(a) for defaming religion. The incident occurred on September 2, when the Oakkyin Township Religious Protection Committee summoned and investigated a man wearing monk robes who was seen begging inside the Oakkyin town market. It is reported from the Oakkyin Township Religious Protection Committee that during the investigation, the man assaulted and attacked the officials in front of the public, leading to his arrest and detention for further investigation. Further investigation revealed that the man was not living as a monk but was begging in monk robes, and there was evidence of his release from prison. Upon arrest, 125,600 kyats in cash, collected through begging, was found and seized. He was then handed over to the Oakkyin Township Police Force, and the market ward administrator filed a lawsuit as the plaintiff. It is reported that after examining the witnesses and the defendant regarding the case, the Oakkyin Township Judge sentenced him to two years in prison under Section 295(a) for defaming religion. "Religion is not a public resting place. In the future, we will investigate and take action against those who engage in begging scams, those who are drunk in monk robes, those who stay in houses for extended periods in a manner that is not decent in the eyes of the public, and those who live inappropriately with women. If monks who are residents or owners of monasteries are involved, and if there are complaints, we will report to the Chairman of the Township Sangha Nayaka Committee and take effective action," said Ashin Teja Siri (Saddhamma Jotikadhaja - Ringkhunthan Sayadaw) of the Oakkyin Township Religious Protection Committee. He further stated that in this case, effective action was necessary due to the man's assault on officials and his prior imprisonment, and that this was carried out as a model punishment to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. In addition, the Oakkyin Township Religious Protection Committee has warned that it is necessary for those wearing monk robes to live in accordance with the Vinaya, and for resident monks and monastery owners to properly discipline and teach their disciples. If there are complaints about begging in monk robes, drinking alcohol, living in a manner that is indecent to the public, or behavior that is not in accordance with the Vinaya, they will be reported to the Township Sangha Nayaka Committee and further action will be taken in accordance with instructions. It is reported that on September 3, eight individuals from a group that was roaming and begging in Oakkyin Township were sentenced to three months in prison by the Oakkyin Township Court under Section 420 for fraud.