Indonesian police detain seven following temple fires

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By Euronews  with Reuters
Indonesian police detain seven following temple fires

Seven people have been detained in Indonesia in connection with fires at a number of Buddhist temples in the north of Sumatra island.

Police say the group is part of a mob, which also attacked other property in the region.

Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, also has a sizeable Chinese population, many of whom are Buddhist. There is a history of anti-Chinese violence, although officials insist the temple attacks are down to a dispute between individuals and are not specifically aimed at the local community.

While sporadic attacks on religious minorities do occur, violent incidents are quickly quashed by local authorities.