 Professional Background
Maung Thura (“Zargana”) is a poet, opposition activist, and leading comedian in Burma. He began a career in political activism through comedy while completing his undergraduate degree. As a performer, he has drawn national attention as a primary political commentator in Burma. His poetry has also been published in the International PEN anthology This Prison Where I Live.
Current Status
Zargana was arrested on the evening of June 4, 2008 after leading a private relief effort to deliver aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis, which struck on May 2, 2008. His detention most likely stems from his outspoken criticism of the government’s slow response to the cyclone, as well as his peaceful opposition activities. On November 21, 2008, Zargana was sentenced to 45 years in prison for violating the Electronics Act, which regulates electronic communications. On November 27, 2008, he was sentenced to a further 14 years in prison for offenses under four sections of the criminal code, bringing his total sentence to 59 years.
On February 14, 2009, the Rangoon Division Court reduced Zargana’s prison term by 24 years. He still must serve the remaining 35 years in prison.
Zargana recently collapsed at the Myitkyina Prison in Kachin State, northern Myanmar, where he was transferred following his prosecution. He is said to be suffering from heart problems, jaundice, and a stomach ulcer. Zargana was taken to Myitkyina Hospital, where he underwent several tests, but the specialist medical care he requires is reportedly not available there. Furthermore, Zargana has been denied full access to family visits, and there are serious concerns for his well being.
Case History
Zargana was first arrested during the student uprisings in October 1988 after making fun of the government, but was freed six months later. However, he was imprisoned for four years after impersonating General Saw Maung in front of a crowd of several thousand at the Yankin Teacher’s Training College Stadium in Rangoon on May 19, 1990. Upon his conviction, Zargana was held in solitary confinement at Insein Prison, where he began writing poetry.
After his release in 1994, Zargana was banned from performing in public, but continued to make tapes and videos that were strictly censored by the authorities. Zargana was again subjected to governmental harassment in May 1996 when he spoke out against censorship to a foreign journalist. He was banned from performing his work altogether and stripped of his freedom to write and publish.
On September 25, 2007, he was arrested for his support of the monks demonstrating in Rangoon. He was released from detention on October 18, 2007.
After Cyclone Nargis struck Burma on May 2, 2008, Zargana gave several interviews to overseas radio stations and other media about his relief work and the needs of the people. He also reportedly ridiculed state media reports about the effects of the cyclone, which the government claimed were minor. |
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