Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has expressed that it, “continues to be deeply concerned about the violations of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in Burma, amid growing religious intolerance, as illustrated by two current cases of “religious defamation.”
In a press release Christian Solidarity Worldwide has revealed that three managers of a nightclub in Rangoon were found guilty today of defaming religion, and sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment with hard labour. New Zealander Phil Blackwood and his Burmese business partners Tun Thurein and Htut Ko Ko Lwin were charged under articles 295, 295(a) and 188 of the Burmese Penal Code. Articles 295 and 295(a) relate to insulting religion. They had advertised the VGastro nightclub using an image of Buddha wearing headphones.
The press release further states that –
In a separate case, former information officer of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Htin Lin Oo faces charges under articles 295 (a) and 298 of Burma’s Penal Code after a speech he made on 23 October criticising Buddhist extremists for inciting hatred and violence. A Buddhist himself, he argued that the extremist Buddhist nationalists’ behaviour was contrary to the teachings of Buddhism, but has been charged with insulting Buddhism as a result. According to Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), Chang-U court in Sagaing Division today upheld the accusations against him and will pursue charges on counts of religious defamation and hurting religious feelings.
Meanwhile, Burma’s Parliament continues to consider a package of new laws known as the Protection of Race and Religion Laws, which if implemented will include legislation restricting religious conversion and inter-religious marriage.
Categories: Asia, Behaviour, Burma, Burmese Muslims, Double Standard