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A Senior Buddhist Monk Accused of Child Sexual Abuse Is Released on Bail in Sri Lanka
The monk was ordered released after a court in Anuradhapura weighed allegations involving a 14-year-old girl and a separate arrest of her mother.
- On Friday, a Sri Lankan court in Anuradhapura released Rev. Pallegama Hemarathana on bail. The 71-year-old monk, custodian of eight ancient Buddhist sites, was arrested earlier this month on allegations of abusing a 14-year-old girl.
- Police arrested the monk alongside the girl's mother, who allegedly aided the abuse. The case has sparked intense debate, as more than 70% of Sri Lanka's 22 million people are Buddhists, and monks hold significant social influence.
- Attorney Mahesh Kotuwella, representing the monk, argued that groups harbor resentment. "The NGOs and anti-Buddhist groups act with the intention to provoke the society," he said, asserting intent to ensure prolonged detention.
- Activist Hemamali Abeyratne criticized authorities for siding with the accused, stating, "The question is not whether the accused is a monk, a school principal or an ordinary member of society, but only whether justice prevails." The group Women for Freedom held a silent protest outside the court.
- The case will return to court next month. The court previously ordered Hemarathana held in custody, though he spent that time hospitalized after citing health issues.
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Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl, has been granted bail by the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court. The court granted bail on two personal sureties of Rs. 5 lakh each and a cash surety of Rs. 1 lakh. The Magistrate warned that the bail order would be revoked if the bail conditions were violated or if witnesses were influenced. A travel ban was also imposed on the suspect. Venerable Hemar…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 22%
C 45%
R 33%
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