Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Ashin Gambira, sentenced to a lengthy prison term for galvanizing the monk community into staging protests in Burma last September, was awarded the 'honourary citizenship' by 'Morbegno' city, Italy.
The award came on December 10 the international human rights day, for his selfless sacrifice made during the saffron revolution for the sake of the people and the country.
"The people of Morbegno city stand by Ashin Gambira, who led the peaceful protest during the saffron revolution," said the website of this city in northern Italy.
The website also said that the city will welcome Ashin Gambira if he wishes to visit after being released from prison.
The award was received by U Uttara, Chairman of Sasana Moli and abbot of London Sasanayanthi Vihara monastery on behalf of Ashin Gambira.
Ashin Gambira was previously awarded the 'Freedom of Expression 2008' prize given by 'Index of Censorship' and the Abbot U Yewata Memorial Peace prize.
After the saffron revolution, he was arrested while he was on the run, and later sentenced to 68 years in prison last month and sent away to the remote Khamti prison in Sagaing Dvision.
Similarly Shan ethnic leader and leader of 'Shan Nationality League for Democracy' (SNLD), U Khun Tun Oo, was awarded the 'Honourary Italian citizen' by Italy, 'Shan Herald News Agency' said. He was sentenced to a ludicrous 93 years in prison.
The award given by Monza mayor was received by U Bawdi Zaw Min, an associated director of EU-Burma Bureau on December 9 on behalf of this ethnic Shan leader who is serving his prison sentence in remote Puta-O prison in Kachin State.
