The prominent Burmese journalist Swe Win was arrested at Yangon International Airport on Sunday evening as he attempted to leave Burma, with authorities justifying his detention on the grounds that he faces trial on charges of defamation.
The Buddhist nationalist group formerly known as Ma Ba Tha once again struck a defiant tone this week, releasing a statement proclaiming: “No matter which names the association has adopted, no changes will be made in terms of the standpoint of the association.”
“Whether the Ma Ba Tha continues or ceases to exist depends entirely on the policies of the NLD government,” said Nandar Hla Myint.
The statement comes after a 23 May order by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee for the group to cease using the Ma Ba Tha name and banner.
Following its two-day “special conference,” the group also announced that it would hereby adopt a new name – the Buddha Dhamma Parahita Foundation.
The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee has announced a mid-July deadline that, if enforced, would effectively put an end to the public profile of the Buddhist nationalist group Ma Ba Tha.
A Buddhist nationalist organisation and local authorities in Naypyidaw are at loggerheads over a planned protest in the capital aimed at Burma’s minister for religious affairs and scheduled for tomorrow.
Lead Story News Rangoon Religion
Two Muslim schools remain closed in Rangoon’s Thaketa Township as authorities say they are investigating the schools’ eligibility to hold prayer services.
The chief editor of Myanmar Now, who is facing a lawsuit for insulting monk Wirathu, says he was threatened by three men near his home in Rangoon last night.
Supporters have rallied behind embattled journalist Swe Win after a defamation complaint was filed against him on behalf of extremist monk Wirathu.
International Relations Lead Story News Religion
Around 100 Buddhist monks and nationalists in Burma staged a protest against Thailand on Friday, denouncing the government of the neighbouring country for its actions against a temple that has defied orders to hand over a wanted monk.
UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee gave a sombre review of Burma’s human rights progress after her second tour of the country under the NLD government.
Arakan International Relations Lead Story News Refugees Rohingya
More than 65,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled conflict-torn northern Arakan State in recent months, seeking shelter across the border in Bangladesh, according to startling figures released by the United Nations this week.
International Relations Lead Story News
The leaders of Burma’s government formally congratulate the new US president-elect, while nationalists offer a strong show of support.
Arakan Lead Story News Rohingya
Burma’s government says a group inspired by Islamist militants was behind recent attacks on police border posts in Arakan State.
Analysis Contributor Lead Story News Opinion
By not seeing ethnic groups like the Rohingya or the Rakhine as unitary collective actors, we are better able to avoid the trap of attributing collective responsibility.
Mainstream Buddhist clerics are among the growing chorus of voices speaking out against the divisive activities of Buddhist nationalist group Ma Ba Tha.
We are a “Buddhist missionary organisation, made up of monks and laymen who share the same vision,” says Ma-Ba-Tha.
Lead Story News Rangoon Religion
The storm centers on a statement Chief Minister of Rangoon made to exiled Burmese while in Singapore recently.
Lee reportedly questioned whether female inmates are being subjected to pregnancy tests, suggesting that this is a violation of human rights.
Analysis Lead Story News Opinion
Burma’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi impressed her Thai hosts last week with her forthright manner and clear advice on the migrant issue.
Lead Story News Opinion Religion
The influence of Burma’s controversial Buddhist nationalist organisation Ma Ba Tha is being felt across the border in neighbouring Thailand.
Lead Story Media News Politics
The fast-increasing use of social media in Burma played a crucial role in the election campaign, with activists and politicians leveraging the medium.
T’s husband ended their relationship with a simple text message, after leaving her for another woman. T turned to the Monogamy Bill for protection.
2015 Elections Lead Story News Video
Muslim candidates have been disproportionately disqualified from running in the 8 November election in a selection process that “lacked credibility”, according to American election monitors the Carter Center.
2015 Elections Lead Story News Politics
Recent events in the last five years will all impact the general election in November, as Burma goes to the polls amidst conflict and religious tension.
Ma-Ba-Tha urged their supporters to safeguard the Protection of Race and Religion laws, at the final celebration at Thuwuna Indoor Stadium, Rangoon.
2015 Elections Lead Story News Religion Rohingya
Government rejects foreign powers’ criticisms, saying the country has addressed religious concerns and that the election process is largely harmonious.
Analysis Elections Ethnic issues Lead Story Nayyidaw News Opinion Politics
Daw Suu Kyi appears to have hit the campaign trail early, but controversial decisions made by NLD party leadership may backfire in the coming election.
Lead Story News Politics Rohingya
A UN envoy accuses Burmese authorities of conducting surveillance on some of the people she met on previous visits.
