Fake monk arrested for beating several children
Ho Huu Phuc, 49 years old, was accused of beating and injuring many orphans and homeless children at the religious facility he founded.
On April 21, Phuc, 49 years old, was temporarily detained by Soc Trang City Police (Soc Trang) for the act of "Intentional injury".
 |
| Ho Huu Phuc (brown shirt) listens to the police read the arrest warrant. Photo: Soc Trang Police |
According to initial investigation, since 2015, Mr. Phuc bought land to build a house in Ward 4, Soc Trang City, placed many Buddha statues, and named it Tri Duc Song Dinh. Every day, many people wear Buddhist robes and practice religion according to Northern Buddhism rituals.
Phuc adopted 10 orphans and children in difficult circumstances and called for sponsorship from benefactors. He forced the children and people at his place of worship to call him "Master Thien Tri".
Investigators determined that Phuc had recently used iron rods and brooms to beat many children, causing injuries. Some children ran away and told their relatives about the incident, who then reported it to the authorities.
The Executive Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Soc Trang province affirmed that Ho Huu Phuc and those living in Tri Duc Song Dinh are not monks, dignitaries, or religious practitioners. The place where Phuc lives is not a monastery or place of worship of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
