Myanmar news states that two men from Burma and one from New Zealand are involved in a trial in the country. According to multiple online reports, they have been charged of insulting Buddhism.
This trio, who reportedly runs a bar in Yangon, has been accused of distributing flyers that promote drinks with a picture of Buddha wearing headphones. This image was not received lightly by many as it got an angry response online, only shortly after it appeared on the official Facebook page of the bar.
According to Burmese law, it is illegal to damage or insult any religion. Myanmar news, which is also known as Burma, has also seen growing Buddhist nationalism.
Unfortunately for the bar owners, they might not have gotten the memo, or refused to acknowledge the rule, as the VGastro Bar flyer depicted Buddha with his eyes closed, wearing large headphones, and surrounded by relatively lurid colors.
In addition to the disrespectful image of Myanmar's God, the words that were printed beside the image advertised unlimited alcohol and use of shisha pipes in the afternoon.
According to Myanmar news, the local police have now closed down the bar and have detained its general manager Philip Blackwood, 32 years old, owner Tun Thurein, 40 years old, and manager Htut Ko Ko Lwin, 26 years old.
Their arrest was immediately implemented when a high official of the country's religious department submitted a complaint. Their trial could last up to six months, and the trio could end up facing a two-year prison sentence.
The picture has now been taken off the website and has been replaced with an apology. The apology stated that it was never the management's intention "to cause offense to anyone or toward any religious group."
As previously mentioned, nationalism in Buddhism has been undergoing gradual development in the recent years. The Wirathu, a group of extremist monks, have becoming popular of late, and has been increasing their clashes with the Muslim minorities in the Rakhine state.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
