Several Burmese journalists, student leaders and an actor were charged for various offenses on 15 August, according to SEAPA partner Mizzima News Agency.
Popular comedian and actor Zarganar appeared before the Rangoon West District Court inside Insein Prison and was charged with seven counts of violations.
His co-accused, sports columnist Zaw Thet Htwe, Thant Zin Aung and Maung Tin Maung Aye a.k.a. Kadone, who were also present in the court, were similarly charged.
"Zarganar aka Maung Thura was charged with seven counts of violations and Zaw Thet Htwe with two counts. The court started hearing today the case involving violation of section 505(b) of Criminal Code. The cross-examination by prosecution the is not finished yet," Defence lawyer Khin Maung Shein said.
Prosecutor Police Col. Ye Nyunt charged Zarganar with violation of Section 505(b) and Section 295 of the Criminal Code (Injuring or Defiling Place of Worship with Intent to Insult the Religion), Section 17(2) of Unlawful Associations Act, Sections 32(b)/36 of the Video Act and Sections 33(a)/38 of the Electronics Act.
"The prosecution submitted as exhibits his photos that have appeared in the media websites of exiled Burmese such as Mizzima News and Irrawady. The prosecution claimed all these exhibits caused disaffection towards the state and government. They also submitted the transcription of a radio interview given by Zarganar to BBC and VOA", Aung Thein said.
Writer Kyi Oo, Zarganar's mother, described what she felt. "I feel the same way as other mothers whose sons also faced the same fate. Now I am numb. What my son did was for the sake of the country. I don't mind how many cases they charged my son with."
Zaw Thet Htwe was charged with violation of Section 505(b) (Inducing Crime Against Public Tranquility) and Section 295 of the Criminal Code (Injuring or Defiling Place of Worship with Intent to Insult the Religion), Sections 33(a)/38 of Video Act and Section 17(2) of Unlawful Associations Act. Tin Maung Aye aka Kodone was charged with violation of Section 32(a)/38 of Electronics Act.
They are facing a maximum of 5 to 15 years' imprisonment under Sections 33(a)/38 of Electronic Act and maximum of 2 years imprisonment under Section 505(b) of Criminal Code, if found guilty, lawyer Aung Thein said.
Zarganar has been arrested five times since 1988. Authorities banned him in May 2006 from performing in show business, including directing films.
Zaw Thet Htwe and Zarganar were arrested in June this year while conducting relief operations in the cyclone-hit region.
Zaw Thet Htwe was first arrested for writing on corruption among sports authorities. The court meted out the death penalty to him on 28 November 2003. It was later commuted to 3 years' imprisonment and he was released from prison after serving his sentence.
Officers from the Police Special Branch and 9 and the local Peace and Development Council (PDC) members came to his home on 4 June and searched his home thoroughly. They confiscated a copy of the documentary video of the wedding reception of Thandar Shwe, daughter of Senior Gen. Than Shwe, a VCD copy of the film "Rambo", documentary VCDs on cyclone Nargis, Nargis song album sung by children, two cash books, 30 FEC, US$1,000 cash and a PC and peripherals.
Zaw Thet Htwe was arrested while he was doing his relief operation in Irrawaddy delta region. Police also confiscated a mobile phone, a PC, a CD and other documents from his home.
88 Generation student leaders Myo Yan Naung Thein, Zaw Min from Syriam and Baung Baung aka Min Min also appeared before the court. Kyaw Soe and Ma Khin Moe Wei from North Okkalapa were also charged with violation of Section 24 of Foreign Currency Act.
