Psychedelic Buddha lands bar manager in jail

A New Zealand bar manager and two staff members have been arrested in Myanmar for using an image of a psychedelic Buddha wearing headphones to promote a cheap drinks night.

Buddha from Sagaing, Burma. Source: Wiki

Philip Blackwood, 32, general manager of Yangon’s V Gastro bar, owner Tun Thurein, 40, and manager Htut Ko Ko Lwin, 26, were detained by police on Wednesday, as reported by Australia’s News.com.au.

The arrests followed the newly opened tapas restaurant and nightclub’s posting of a promotional poster on Facebook depicting a Buddha wearing headphones for an upcoming club night, sparking outrage in the predominantly Buddhist nation.

An official from from Myanmar’s Religious Department reportedly complained about the image, prompting the bar to be closed and the trio to be arrested and remanded in custody.

A police official in Yangon’s Bahan township told reporters: “According to Mr Philip’s statement, they were trying to promote the bar. Buddha grabs people’s interest… however Buddhists cannot accept it. This insults the religion. So we opened the case under the Religion Act. We will file a lawsuit.”

Under Myanmar’s Religion Act, anyone who attempts to insult, destroy or damage any religion can be punished by a maximum of two years in jail, with another two-year penalty for those who attempt to insult religion through the written word.

Following criticism, the bar deleted the post and writing an apology on its Facebook page which said: “V Gastro management would like to express our sincere regret if we have offended the citizens of this wonderful city, who have welcomed us so warmly and generously. Our intention was never to cause offence to anyone or toward any religious group. Our ignorance is embarrassing.”

Blackwood was due to appear in court today where he is expected to be charged or deported.