PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - A defrocked Buddhist monk accused of urging his followers to commit suicide as a way of reaching heaven is to be questioned by prosecutors next week.
Dem Moam, 34, was freed last week after 48 hours in police custody while investigators determine whether he incited his followers to kill themselves, said Bou Pin, a state prosecutor.
Accused of being a suicide cult leader, police arrested Dem Moam two days after a monk and two nuns burned themselves to death on Sept. 29 at a temple in Prey Veng province, 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Phnom Penh.
"So far the elements in the case are inadequate for us to form any charges against him," Bou Pin said. "We are still trying to find out from him what exactly happened."
He said Dem Moam had been ordered to appear at his office for further questioning on Monday.
Bou Pin described the case as "unusual and very complicated."
Seng Sona, a 16-year-old monk, and two nuns identified as Svay Roeun, 53, and Sat Thuon, 38, died last month after they tied themselves to poles and sat in gasoline-filled basins that they then set on fire.
Three other monks also attempted suicide by stabbing themselves. They survived and were hospitalized.
Police said Dem Moam preached a message of "self-sacrifice in the name of Lord Buddha," which apparently led to the suicide.