Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Burma Indicts Dissident Comedian

Leading opposition figure faces prison for aiding cyclone victims

By the Associated Press

Posted Aug 7, 2008 9:54 AM CDT

(AP) – A popular comedian who became one of the most prominent critics of Burma's military government has been formally charged with several political offenses. Zarganar, who had been leading a citizen effort to aid victims of Cyclone Nargis, has been indicted on five counts, including unlawful association and creating public unrest.

Zarganar was arrested in June after he gave interviews to foreign media in which he criticized the junta's slow response to the cyclone, which killed more than 84,000 people. Three other people are being tried with him. Zarganar's sister-in-law said the comedian looked thin and pale when she and other relatives were allowed to see him and give him food.

Zarganar talks on his mobile phone at his home in Rangoon. He faces five counts of political offenses, according to reports.
Zarganar talks on his mobile phone at his home in Rangoon. He faces five counts of political offenses, according to reports.   (AP Photo)
Burmese political exile Preofessor Win Min during a forum with students of the country's premier school, the University of the Philippines Friday, Aug. 1, 2008.
Burmese political exile Preofessor Win Min during a forum with students of the country's premier school, the University of the Philippines Friday, Aug. 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pat Roque)
Farmers wearing coverings because of the rain rush the planting of rice in this July 18, 2008 photo in a village near Yangon City, Myanmar.
Farmers wearing coverings because of the rain rush the planting of rice in this July 18, 2008 photo in a village near Yangon City, Myanmar.   (AP Photo)
Farmers use a canoe to move rice seedlings into another field as they rush their planting in this July 18, 2008 photo in a village near Yangon City in Myanmar.
Farmers use a canoe to move rice seedlings into another field as they rush their planting in this July 18, 2008 photo in a village near Yangon City in Myanmar.   (AP Photo)
Burmese comedian Zarganar is seen joining a street protest in Rangoon.
Burmese comedian Zarganar is seen joining a street protest in Rangoon.   (AP Photo/File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

More Newser Stories

Burma Rips 'Chocolate Bar' Aid; US Ships Threaten to Sail

Burma Agrees to Accept All Aid

Burmese Buy Up Black-Market Cyclone Videos

Junta Hinders Cyclone Coverage

As US, Burma Talk, Volunteers Say Junta Is Selling Aid


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne