Myanmar: Canadian preacher denied bail after Church services led to surge in coronavirus cases

A Canadian Christian preacher was denied bail on Wednesday by a court in Myanmar after he held church services, violating a ban on gatherings to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

David Lah, a Canadian of Burmese origin, and Wai Tun, Myanmar national, held church services in the city of Yangon in early April that led to several coronavirus cases, including the Christian preacher himself.

"For lawsuits which carry a sentence of three years or more, we don't need to grant bail," judge Moe Swe told reporters after the proceedings, reported Reuters.

Both the accused are facingprison sentences of up to three years under a disaster management law.

Nearly 20 people who participated in the gathering were tested positive, which later led to a cluster of 67 cases including the preacher, officials said.

In Myanmar, over 230 coronavirus cases have so far been reported with at least six deaths.

In many countries in South Asia, religious gatherings have led to a surge in cases.

The matter will next be heard on June 8.