Leader of Burma's Saffron Revolution Sentenced

Ashin Gambira, founder of the All Burmese Monks’ Alliance and architect of last year's monk-led "Saffron Revolution", was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment yesterday by a special closed court at Rangoon’s notorious Insein Prison.

The 29 year-old monk was charged with "threatening the stability of the state". Gambira still has other outstanding charges against him, which will undoubtedly result in a increased prison sentence.

Late last year officers from Burma's feared Military Intelligence forced Ashin Gambira out of hiding by arresting members of his family. Since his arrest he has been forcibly disrobed by the military, without reference to the Buddhist monastic community, which alone has the authority to expel monks.

ENDS

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