A majority of the nearly 50 Buddhist monks presently behind bars are accused of sexual abuse of women and children, according to state justice minister Anuradha Jayaratne.
Also, it is mostly Buddhist monks among religious clergy who are imprisoned at present, he has informed parliament.
Answering a question raised by MP Dullas Alahapperuma, state minister Jayaratne told the House yesterday (08) that of the monks, 29 are serving terms, while 19 others are detained as suspects.
Accusations against them include sexual abuse of children and women, murder and treasure-hunting.
No details were given of the other religious clergy in prison.
