Sydney siege gunman's body released

The body of Sydney hostage-taker gunman Man Haron Monis was released by the New South Wales coroner Monday following completion of his autopsy.

But Monis faces a "destitute funeral", carried out by the state, as Muslim funeral directors have declared his body doesn't deserve any care after his death following the 16-hour siege which ended with him killing two people, Xinhua reported.

Monis had taken 17 people hostage December 15 at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe, leaving three people, including himself, dead.