NZ man accused of insulting Buddhism goes on trial in Burma

Posted: December 19, 2014 at 12:49 am


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New Zealand citizen Philip Blackwood, left, is escorted by a police officer following a court appearance in Yangon Thursday. Pic: AP.

YANGON, Burma (AP) A New Zealand bar manager and two Burma men have pleaded innocent 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 Burmas biggest city, Yangon. The charges carry a penalty of up to two years in prison.

The advertisement was removed and an apology was posted, but Blackwood and the two men were arrested. Four prosecution witnesses testified at their first trial session Thursday, and defense witnesses are to take the stand on Dec. 26.

About 90 percent of Burmas people are Buddhist. Perceived insults to Buddhism are taken seriously.

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NZ man accused of insulting Buddhism goes on trial in Burma

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Written by simmons |

December 19th, 2014 at 12:49 am

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