VGastro.bar shut down for "Buddhism" promo
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Newly-opened VGastro.bar in Yangon was shut down last week for using an image of the Buddha wearing headphones in their promotion flyer.
Tun Thurein, the owner, as well as manager Htut Ko Ko Lwin and general manager Philip Blackwood from New Zealand were detained.
The promotion flyer, which appeared in the bar’s Facebook page on the evening of December 10, triggered an angry outrage in the social media. They were charged of insulting Buddhism, said Police Lt. Colonel Win Kyi, head of western district police force.
The New Zealand general manager, arriving in Myanmar two weeks ago, said they were trying to promote the bar like neighbouring Thailand to attract people if they advertise with a Buddha image, said the head of Bahan Township police station.
The police charged them under section 499/ 2014 and 295/ 295 (A) of the religion act. The police also opened the case under section 188 of the penal code as the suspects also broke the rules and regulations.
