Muslim minority

In Sri Lanka, a High Court has convicted 15 men for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which targeted churches and luxury hotels, resulting in 270 deaths and over 500 injuries. The trial, which concluded recently, saw Naufer Moulavi identified as the mastermind. While nine other men were acquitted, the convictions bring a significant legal development to the deadliest attack against civilians in the island's history. Investigators have attributed the coordinated blasts to a home-grown Islamist extremist group. The sentencing of the convicted individuals marks a crucial step in the judicial process following the devastating attacks, highlighting ongoing concerns about domestic extremism and its impact on the nation's diverse religious landscape. The case underscores the importance of addressing radicalization and ensuring accountability for acts of terrorism.