January 16, 2015 – democracy for burma

Writer Htin Lin Oo, arrested for insulting Buddhist religion, was denied bail after attending his 5th court hearing at the Chanug-U Township court on January 15.
After the court hearing, he paid respect to the monks and asked for their forgiveness.
The head of the township Immigration Department filed a lawsuit against him under Article 295 (a) and 298 of the penal code after he spoke out against religious nationalism at a literary event in Thone Pan Hla Model Village in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region on October 23, 2014.
“I paid respect to the monks because the monks may feel uneasy about what I’ve said. I really didn’t want to hurt them as I am a Buddhist. For me, I said nothing wrong. I have already planned to do like this but I was arrested and unable to apologise to the monks. Some of my words in my speech may sound rude and it may hurt the monks. In saying rude words, it may sound rude if the circumstance is true. For example, General Aung San said that our country will be a nation of prostitutes but what come after that word is that if the citizens didn’t abide by the discipline. His words reflect sincere good will,” said writer Htin Lin Oo.

His lawyer, Thein Than Oo, said that he will appeal for changing of the court after the 5th court appearance.
“My client was denied bail on all the five court appearances. If the judge gives bail, I think unnecessary things will emerge at the court. So, I will appeal for hearing the trial at different court,” said his lawyer.
Besides, his lawyer said concerning his client speech, his client said mostly about the politics and very few on the religion.
The 6th court appearance will be held on January 23.