Monks Sentenced to Prison in Burma

Here's an update on the trials of monks arrested after the Saffron Revolution in Burma, from Ashin Mettacara at OpEd News.

Six monks have been sentenced by the military dictatorship of Burma in closed-door trials, without their families or defense lawyers. The monks had been convicted of unlawful assembly, joining unlawful associations, creating public alarm and seditious activities.

The Ven. Ashin Saddhamma, a monk from Twan Tay was sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment. Five other monks -- Ven. U Nanda, Ven. U Vilasagga, Ven. Ashin Aggadhamma, Ven. Ashin Issariya and Ven. Ashin Janeya from Ngwe Kyar Yan Monastery -- were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment each.

A popular blogger, Nay Phone Latt, also has been sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years and 6 months for posting caricatures of military leader General Than Shwe on his blog (Nayphonelatt.Net).