Sangkhlaburi — The famous Burmese comedian Zargana, now in detention, was presented the "2008 One Humanity Award" by PEN Canada yesterday.
A Press release from PEN Canada said it presents the '2008 One Humanity Award' to Zargana, who has been an Honourary Member of PEN Canada for more than 15 years.
Zargana (Maung Thura) has been arrested many times by the Myanmar military junta, serving four years in solitary confinement in Rangoon's Insein prison. He was last arrested in June, 2008 for his criticism of the junta's handling of Cyclone Nargis. He was charged with seven offences, including "defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion," and could be sentenced for up to 15 years.
Zargana (nicknamed "tweezers") was first arrested for ridiculing the government in October 1988 and freed six months later. He was a leading voice of the student pro-democracy movement, his crowd-pulling ability second only to that of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The award will be given in absentia on October 22 at the International Festival of Authors (IFOA) because the famous comedian is currently in prison, awaiting sentence.
The PEN Canada 'One Humanity Award' ($5000) honours someone "whose work has transcended the boundaries of national divide and inspired connections across cultures.
The writings of the individual reflect honesty, good judgement and a courageous belief in the peaceful expression of ideas through any medium."
The year 2008-09 marks the 25th anniversary of PEN Canada as the English-speaking Canadian centre of International PEN.
The first Canadian centre was founded in Montreal in 1926 and the Canadian Centre later moved to Toronto in 83-84 named PEN Canada. International PEN has 145 centres in 104 countries. The freedom to express ideas without fear of attack, arrest or other persecution — has always been at the heart of International PEN's work.
