Comics jailed for daring to parody governing junta
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In Burma where dissent is banned, comedians famously use humour to deliver their political messages in satire, song and dance despite the threat of jail.
When the junta reacted to ther ecent demonstrations, one of the three Mandalay-based comedy troupe The Moustache Brothers was among those arrested. Par Par Lay, also known as U Pa Pa Lay, was detained when he visited a monastery to give alms to monks on 25 September. The family of the 60-year-old say there has been no word about him since.
His wife Win Mar said: "I'm very worried. I want to give some medicine and clothes to him."
Another leading comic Zarganar, a former dentist known as Burma's Charlie Chaplin, was seized after supporting the protests. His mother Kyi Os said: "I warned him not to get too involved in the protests but he refused me. He loves his country and his people."
Both comedians have been imprisoned before.
Zarganar was jailed twice – in 1988 after the student uprising for a year and in 1990 for four years. Par Par Lay and one of his two colleagues U Lu Zaw was jailed for six years after performing at an Independence Day party at the home of jailed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 1994. They were blacklisted and forbidden to perform in public after their release in July 2001. However, The Moustache Brothers have continued to perform for foreigners at their homes and get a mention in the "Lonely Planet Guide to Burma" which reports that even military intelligence agents spying on them put money in their hats.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments