Reporters Without Borders and the Burma Media Association are criticizing the Burmese government for using intimidation to disrupt the birthday celebration of a leading writer and journalist.
A joint statement issued by the organizations says Burmese authorities and paramilitary groups monitored the 91st birthday celebration of Ludu Daw Amar. The statement says the military government forced a monastery in Mandalay to cancel
celebrations. In recent years, the monastery has attracted hundreds of writers and artists.
The statement says Ludu Daw Amar, who co-founded the Ludu Daily News, has often used these occasions to condemn political and social oppression. It says that this year, many journalists and government opponents canceled plans out of fear of reprisals from the government.
Human rights groups and several countries, including the United States, have repeatedly criticized Burma for its poor human rights record.
