Blogger and 'net cafe owner arrested in Myanmar (Burma)

The military junta controlling Myanmar (Burma) has increased surveillance of the Internet, and recently arrested a man who blogged about the crackdown on freedom of expression there:

The blogger, Nay Myo Latt, was taken into custody in Yangon on Wednesday after writing about the suppression of freedoms following last fall's crushing of pro-democracy demonstrations, Reporters Without Borders said.

Despite international condemnation and pressure following the demonstrations, there is little evidence that the junta is easing its repressive rule or moving closer to reconciliation with pro-democracy forces led by Suu Kyi.

The arrested blogger, a member of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, owns three Internet cafes, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said in a release seen Thursday.

Myanmar authorities have stepped up their surveillance of the Internet since the beginning of the month, pressuring Internet cafe owners to register personal details of all users and to program screen captures every five minutes on each computer, the release said.

Link.

• [mikelotus]

  I sure would like to know what can be done to help from here.

• [Anonymous]

  Mikelotus, you can help by contacting Lutheran Community Services (or Social Services), Catholic Community Services (or a version thereof) or IRC and find out how you can help the arriving refugees as they come in. You can help with getting them household items, help maneuver paying bills and showing them how to use the bus and shop.
  If you are able, you can be a foster parent to an under 18 without a family. Check to see if Lutheran or Catholic have those programs in your city.

• [Jeff]

  As a follow up to this piece, is there an official government email address? Maybe millions of disapproving emails will let the Thug officials know they are being watched.

• [Michellesblog]

  Thank you for blogging about Burma. I do not think people fully understand the extent of what is going on there, myself included.

  I know a lady who takes care of some Burmese refugees here in Austin. The refugees ran through the jungle into Thailand, lived in a refugee camp, and now have to make their way here in the States. They came with nothing and most do not speak English.

  We will never know the atrocities that occur in Burma by watching traditional media. The people have described the “peace” that occurs there. Basically, at night the police stand outside in the streets. If someone leaves their house, they could be hurt or killed. The military wants the image of peace so that the press does not attempt to disrupt their government.

  The military police have also lined up opponents to the state and literally clubbed them to death. Many of these people are Buddhist monks who are obviously pacifists.

  I am happy to know that you are covering this subject, as you are acting as a voice for many people whose voices are not heard to the world.