Yangon: A New Zealand bar manager in Myanmar has been arrested for allegedly insulting Buddhism after posting an online advertisement showing a psychedelic image of Buddha wearing headphones, police said Friday.
The offense carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.
Police arrested Philip Blackwood on Wednesday along with two Myanmar nationals, including the bar's owner, Tun Thurein, and an employee. Authorities then shut the V Gastro Bar, a tapas bar and lounge, which had opened just two weeks earlier in an upscale Yangon neighborhood.
The image, which shows a neon pink Buddha wearing DJ-style headphones, was posted on the bar's Facebook page, and quickly spread online. An official from the Religious Department filed a complaint that led to the arrests, said a police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not permitted to speak to the media.
The image has been removed from the Facebook page and replaced by an apology.
"Our intention was never to cause offense to anyone," the apology says. "Our ignorance is embarrassing."
The arrests come amid a surge of religious nationalism in Myanmar following violence between Buddhists and Muslims in recent years.
The three men are due to appear in court next week.
The offense carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.
Police arrested Philip Blackwood on Wednesday along with two Myanmar nationals, including the bar's owner, Tun Thurein, and an employee. Authorities then shut the V Gastro Bar, a tapas bar and lounge, which had opened just two weeks earlier in an upscale Yangon neighborhood.
The image has been removed from the Facebook page and replaced by an apology.
"Our intention was never to cause offense to anyone," the apology says. "Our ignorance is embarrassing."
Advertisement
The three men are due to appear in court next week.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
'Monk' DJ Won't Be Allowed To Perform In Singapore Nightclub: Minister Myanmar Junta Enforces Mandatory Military Service For Young People: Report Social Media Post Sparks Renewed Interest In Nepal's Ancient 'Mustang Caves' Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Siddaramaiah's Swipe At Governor Amid Calls For Resignation: 10 Points Omar Abdullah On What Should Be J&K Assembly's 1st Move After Polls Elon Musk's X To Close Brazil Operations Over "Censorship Orders" Retired Colonel Recalls How Daughter Was Eve-Teased On Her Way To College Top Institutes In India For Architecture And Planning Courses Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.