5 June 2008

Alert

Celebrated comedian-actor arrested after criticising government response to cyclone crisis


Incident details

Zarganar

other

arrested
(Mizzima/IFEX) - The prominent Burmese comedian, actor and director Zarganar, who has been playing an active role helping cyclone survivors, was arrested and taken from his residence by authorities on the evening of 4 June 2008, according to members of his family.

Observers believe that the arrest is in reprisal for the celebrity's outspoken nature and his critical stance toward the government's slow response to the crisis.

At about 8:00 p.m. (local time) on the night of 4 June, a team of nine police officers, led by the district Police commander of Western Rangoon, raided Zarganar's residence in Sanchuang township. The police team confiscated a computer, DVDs, various financial documents and US$1000 from Zarganar's residence. Zarganar was reportedly taken away for further interrogation after the police team searched his house.

"They came in and said they would only conduct a search, but after searching the house at about 10:45 p.m., they told Zarganar to get dressed to go out. They said they would take him for about two days," said the family source.

Zarganar was among the first Burmese celebrities to have rushed to help cyclone survivors after Cyclone Nargis struck Burma on 2-3 May 2008. He has played an active role in reaching people with aid supplies, including rice and other commodities.

Zarganar has been frequently arrested by the authorities for daring to speak to the media about the situation of the tightly-controlled Burmese. In May 2006, authorities banned Zarganar from practicing any artistic performances, including writing and film acting and directing, after he was interviewed by the Burmese Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

For further information on past persecution of Zarganar, see:
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88353
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/86931



Source:

Mizzima News
DG-III/95, Vikas Puri
New Delhi 110018
India
mizzima (@) mizzima.com
Phone: +91 11 28538500
Fax: +91 11 28538500
 

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Updates to this story

Interview with newly-freed dissident comedian Zarganar 18 October 2011 Comedian Zargana and at least 120 other political prisoners released 12 October 2011 Index on Censorship rallies campaigners in support of imprisoned comedian 29 April 2010 Blogger Zarganar turns 49 in jail, still has 34 years to serve 28 January 2010 Concerns for health of imprisoned writer Zargana 30 April 2009 Comedian Zargana's prison sentence reduced to 35 years 19 February 2009 Imprisoned blogger Zarganar transferred to remote prison 9 December 2008 Comedian, journalist sentenced to additional prison time under Electronic Law 28 November 2008 Comedian and blogger "Zarganar" sentenced to 45 years in prison; sports journalist Zaw Thet Htwe gets 15 years 21 November 2008 Comedian, sports columnist, other dissidents charged with violation of various media laws 18 August 2008 Detained comedian, sports columnist both charged with "disturbing public order" 5 August 2008

Burma

All DVB journalists, freelancers and blogger freed under amnesty 13 January 2012 Censor board authorises publication of interviews with exiled media figures 24 October 2011 Three writers released under amnesty 17 October 2011 Comedian Zargana and at least 120 other political prisoners released 12 October 2011 Many news websites unblocked; 17 journalists and three netizens still held 20 September 2011 See all alerts: Burma


 
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