Posted by
Colleen R. James on Friday, November 21, 2008 3:49:49 PM
A popular Burmese comedian Zarganar, dissident and opposition activist,
was sentenced by military authorities for 45 years in prison.
He was found guilty of violating the law on electronic communications.
He was arrested some time ago for criticizing the military government
action for the elimination of the cyclone "Nargis" in an interview with
foreign press.
In particular, he criticized the junta for procrastination and for refusing to accept foreign assistance.
Sam Zarganar led a group of artists who organized the delivery of private donations for victims of the cyclone.
Over the past two weeks, more than 80 activists were arrested during
the ordinary shares of the Burmese military authorities to suppress the
democratic movement.
The prison dates, which sentenced the activists reach 65 years.
In condemning the new wave of repression in Burma by the United
Nations, human rights organizations, U.S. and European Union countries