Solo Protester Arrested in Burma

Burmese police have detained an activist who staged a solo protest calling for freedom of religion.

Witnesses say Htin Kyaw stood in front of a busy market in the capital, Rangoon, Thursday shouting slogans calling for religious freedom.

Friends of Htin Kyaw say he was unhappy that government officials allegedly prevented him from serving as a monk at a local monastery.

Htin Kyaw has been arrested several times in the past month. He was picked up in late February after taking part in a rare demonstration in Rangoon calling for more political freedom and better living conditions. He was arrested at least two other times after holding a news conference that focused on similar issues.

Burma has little tolerance for political dissent, and the military government currently holds at least 1100 political prisoners.