Burmese blogger face the trial - Nay Phone Latt

By Nem Davies

New Delhi (Mizzima)- The Rangoon West District Special Court on Tuesday begun hearing the case of Nay Phone Latt, a Burmese youth arrested in early this year for posting free writings that promote the feelings of Burmese youths on his blog site.

The court had begun hearing on one of the three charges against Nay Phone Latt, who is currently detained in Burma's notorious Insein prison in Rangoon.

"The court has begun hearing on the case that charged Nay Phone Latt and his co-defendant Thin July Kyaw under section 32(b)/36 of the Video Act," Nay Phone Latt's defence counsel, Aung Thein told Mizzima.

Aung Thein said the court heard the prosecution witness SIP Ye Aung's testimonies. He testified that Nay Phone Latt was found possessing three uncensored 'Thee Lay Thee' VCDs.

Thee Lay Thee is a group of four comedians, who are famous among Burmese people both inside and abroad, for their political humors and criticism against the junta's actions. They have release VCDs of their lives shows performed at Burmese communities in neighboring countries including Thailand and Singapore.

Nay Phone Latt, age 28, is charged with cases under section 32(b)/36 of the Video Act, section 505(b) of the Criminal Code (crime against public tranquility) and under section 33(a)/38 of the Electronic Act.

The court just brought up of the cases against them when they were produced at the court on July 8 without examining the witnesses.

"The court will hear all three cases on Tuesday but we don't know which case will come up for hearing first," Aung Thein added.

Lawyer Aung Thein said that both the accused, Nay Phone Latt, also known as Nay Myo Kyaw and his co-accused Thin July Kyaw, were in good health when they were produced before the court. They were arrested on January 29.

The court has fixed July 29, Tuesday, as the next hearing date.