A New Zealander and two Myanmar men have gone on trial in Myanmar on charges of insulting Buddhism, Radio New Zealand reports.
The trio, who run a bar in Yangon, are accused over a flyer promoting a drinks event depicting Buddha with headphones. Last week, police shut down the bar and detained New Zealand general manager Philip Blackwood, 32, owner Tun Thurein, 40, and manager Htut Ko Ko Lwin, 26.
The flyer from VGastro Bar showed Buddha with his eyes shut, wearing large headphones, and surrounded by lurid colours. The words alongside advertised a drinks afternoon with limitless alcohol and shisha pipes.
The image triggered an angry response online shortly after it appeared on the bar's Facebook page. The picture has been removed and replaced with an apology, stating that the management's intention “was never to cause offence to anyone or toward any religious group”, the BBC reported.
#Burma trial begins over ‘Buddha insult’: New Zealand bar manager and two workers deny… http://t.co/0y3tiTymay
— Zafar Ali (@syedzafar5) December 18, 2014
Myanmar law, which has experienced growing Buddhist nationalism, makes it illegal to insult or damage any religion.
The arrest was triggered by a complaint by an official from the country's religious department.
The trial could take up to six months and the three could face up to two years in jail.
