RANGOON, Burma – Two Buddhists were sentenced to seven years in prison for murder stemming from March religious riots that erupted in the town of Meiktila, a court official told AFP on Monday (July 8th).

The violence, targeting mostly Muslims, left at least 44 people dead and triggered waves of communal violence that drove thousands of Muslims from their homes. The defendants were convicted after separate trials at the district court in Meiktila.

State media recently reported 49 people are on trial for murder, with scores more facing court for their alleged roles in the unrest.