Mar 4, 2008 (DVB), A 27-year-old monk who was arrested in October 2007 after taking part in public demonstrations in September has been charged with theft for allegedly stealing a statue of Buddha.

U Khaema Sara, from Moulmein in Mon state, was arrested by authorities while he was staying at Shan Kyaung monastery in Rangoon’s 9 Mile junction in October.

He has been detained in Insein prison since his arrest, and was brought before Mayangone township court on 24 February, where he faced a charge of theft under article 380 of the penal code for allegedly stealing a Buddha statue.

If he is found guilty of a violation of article 380, U Khaema Sara could face a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine.

Reporting by Yee May Aung