Firebrand monk feted by Myanmar junta chief

Wirathu was released from jail in 2021 by the Myanmar junta. - Reuters

YANGON (AFP): A firebrand monk dubbed the "Buddhist bin Laden" for his role in stirring up religious hatred in Myanmar received a national award on Tuesday (Jan 3), with the junta saluting his work in the country.

Wirathu -- who received the moniker from Time Magazine in 2013 following deadly communal riots -- was awarded the title of "Thiri Pyanchi" on Tuesday, the military's information team said.