Myanmar: Burma Jail News Continues; 6 Women Get 6 Years

The only continuity in Burma is the news about everyday jailing of monks and activists.  Many detained monks and activists are also awaiting trial. The judical crackdown continues today. Six women were sentenced to 6 years imprisoment each for helping Nargis cyclone victims and for involvement in last year's Saffron Revolution led by Buddhist monks.

More than 100 political prisoners have been sentenced this week. Among them, a prominent leader and spokesmonk of the Saffron Revolution, Ashin Gambira, was given the longest sentence of 68 years. The second longest sentence passed was to 23 members and leaders of 88 Generation Students, and the third, was to popular Burmese comedian, film actor, and film director, Zarganar. His case was closed yesterday with a total of 59 years.

The names of the six women who were sentenced today are: Nobel Aye, Aye Thida, Lay Lay Mon, Noe Noe, Theraphi Theint Theint Tun and Daw San San Tin. Nobel Aye, is a 28-year-old freelance writer and journalist.

Two others sentenced were male journalists, U Thet Zin and Sein Win Maung, who were sentenced to 7 years each. More than 20 journalists including bloggers have been sentenced within the past three weeks.

Many detained monks and activists are awaiting trial. It is abhorrent that Burmese people are being jailed for helping people in need.