{"id":119084,"date":"2014-01-27T22:41:07","date_gmt":"2014-01-27T17:11:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?p=119084"},"modified":"2014-01-27T22:41:07","modified_gmt":"2014-01-27T17:11:07","slug":"buddhist-monks-surrender-over-hikkaduwa-church-attack-granted-bail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/buddhist-monks-surrender-over-hikkaduwa-church-attack-granted-bail\/","title":{"rendered":"Buddhist Monks Surrender Over Hikkaduwa Church Attack; Granted Bail"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Galle Magistrate yesterday granted bail to seven Buddhist monks who surrendered to police in connection with charges that they led a violent mob attack on two Christian churches in Hikkaduwa<\/span><\/a> on January 12.<\/p>\n

\"Hikkaduwa<\/a>The monks were part of over 20 suspects who were wanted in connection with the Sunday morning violence since<\/p>\n

The suspects, including the monks had been absconding arrest since the Magistrate chastised the police for failing to make arrests on January 16, when the case came up.<\/p>\n

The monks who surrendered were granted bail by Court.<\/p>\n

The case has been postponed till March 17.<\/p>\n

A group calling itself the Hela Bodhu Pawra had led demonstrators against the Assemblies of God Church in Hikkaduwa and the Calvary Free Church. The group claimed the two churches were operating in violation of a 2008 circular issued by the Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry. The protestors vandalised the churches and man-handled church leaders during the assault.<\/p>\n