Burma trial begins over ‘Buddha insult’

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/18/burma-trial-begins-buddha-insult

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A New Zealand bar manager and two Burmese men pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges they insulted religion by posting an advertisement with an image of a pink Buddha wearing headphones.

Philip Blackwood, general manager of the V Gastro Bar, was arrested last week after posting the online advertisement for the bar in Burma’s biggest city, Rangoon. The charges carry a penalty of up to two years in prison.

The advertisement was removed and an apology posted, but Blackwood and the two men – who also work with the bar – were arrested. Four prosecution witnesses testified at their first trial session Thursday, and defence witnesses are to take the stand on 26 December.

About 90% of Burma’s people are Buddhist. Perceived insults to the religion are taken seriously, especially in the context of religious-based violence in the past few years pitting Buddhists against Muslims.

About 15 Buddhist monks, mostly from a nationalist organisation, and more than 20 lay disciples were at the court as police brought in the three handcuffed defendants. Nearly 30 police officers were in attendance, apparently because of the sensitive nature of the case.