Mandalay’s heart of gold
Mandalay is Burma’s cultural heart. The city’s soul can still be found in its artisan workshops, where its short—but rich— history is preserved…in gold.
Htin Linn Oo blasphemy trial: closing arguments heard
Closing arguments are heard in the trial of writer Htin Linn Oo, who stands accused of blasphemy charges for criticising the Buddhist monk-led Ma-ba-tha.
Lead Story News Rangoon Religion
Amnesty Int calls for release of Buddha Bar trio
Amnesty International has called on Burma’s authorities to immediately and unconditionally release three restaurant managers charged with insulting the Buddhist religion.
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Buddha Bar storm: lawyers refuse to represent Blackwood
Four lawyers have refused to represent Phil Blackwood, a New Zealand citizen detained in Insein Prison on charges of insulting religion, because they believe the case is “too sensitive”.
Lead Story News Rangoon Religion
Three face jail after Buddha Bar post causes religious outcry
Three men, including a New Zealander, are charged under Burma’s Religion Act after posting a picture of Buddha as part of nightclub marketing.
Lead Story News Rangoon Religion
NZ bar manager arrested in Buddha insult storm
A New Zealander is appearing in a Rangoon court after being arrested for using an image of the Buddha wearing headphones in a bar promotion.
Analysis Communal Violence Contributor Lead Story
Religious intolerance, according to the Pali Canon
It is not birth which causes a person to be worthy, it is actions of body, speech and mind, says Buddhist scholar Dr Paul Fuller.
Honoured in exile
Hundreds of devotees this week congregated in Cox’s Bazaar, eastern Bangladesh, to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Buddha. Among them were a mixture of Hindus and Buddhists, Burmese[…]
Officials scratch off gold from Buddha statues
Oct 14, 2008 (DVB), A pagoda treasurer and local village authorities have scratched off gold coating worth five billion kyat from historical Buddha statues in a village in Magwe division’s[…]
Monk accused of stealing Buddha statue
Mar 4, 2008 (DVB), A 27-year-old monk who was arrested in October 2007 after taking part in public demonstrations in September has been charged with theft for allegedly stealing a[…]