The family of a New Zealander jailed in Myanmar for insulting religion are “absolutely gutted” by the decision, reports Radio New Zealand.
Philip Blackwood and two local men, Tun Thurein and Htut Ko Ko Lwin, were sentenced yesterday to two and half years in prison with hard labour in connection with a flyer and online promotion for a drinks event. The promotion depicted Buddha wearing headphones and was posted on Facebook.
Under the Religion Act, anyone who attempts to insult, destroy or damage any religion can be punished by a maximum of two years in jail. An additional penalty can also be added for insulting religion using the written word.
Matthew Smith, the executive director of human rights group Fortify Rights, said the conviction was an attack of freedom of speech.
“The trial should have never happened in the first place. But certainly the condition in the sentencing is outrageous,” he said.
“It's really indicative of the rising tide of this extremist form of Buddhist nationalism that we've been seeing in Myanmar for quite some time.”
Mark Farmener, the director of human rights group Burma Campaign UK said he could not comprehend the punishment and added that the New Zealand government should pressure Myanmar to have Blackwood released.
Blackwood's father, Brian, said he hoped common sense would prevail in the case. The family were considering appealing the ruling and were consulting lawyers.