Myanmar: Radical Buddhist group banned a second time

As reported by Irrawaddy on 23 July 2018, the radical Buddhist group "Dhamma Prahita Foundation", better known under its former name "Ma Ba Tha" has been banned again by Myanmar"s Buddhist National Council. Meanwhile, according to Radio Free Asia reporting on 23 July 2018, a statue of independence hero Aung San has been sprayed with green paint in Kachin State"s capital city. Thomas Muller, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, explains: "The keyword here is again. When Ma Ba Tha was banned for the first time in May 2017, they simply re-branded and continued as before. It seems they will not be willing to abide by their fellow monks" ruling this time round either. On the contrary, they have publically challenged the ban and will allow their local branches to decide whether to disband or not. Their radical hatred against Muslims and their perceived need to protect Buddhism will therefore continue unabated. Meanwhile, the rare act of vandalism against Aung San"s statue in Myitkina, the capital of Kachin State, reflects the growing disgust at the continued fighting in ethnic minority areas. Trust-building measures are needed more badly than ever in Myanmar."