How a Buddha tattoo nearly got a man killed in Myanmar prison
A man named Arnold Putra recounts his experience being detained in a Myanmar prison after being caught in a political crackdown. He describes how his religious tattoo and a chance encounter with a general's daughter led to his arrest and sentencing.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the volatile political climate in Myanmar and the extreme risks faced by foreigners under the current military junta.
Going to Myanmar wasn't just another trip for Arnold Putra, it was a trajectory where he took each step with caution. For years, he had been visiting the country but this time, he decided to spend some time with student groups. He bought them pints of beer to enjoy along and at the time he didn't think he had done anything wrong.But according to the junta, the country's military government, students are classified as terrorists. "If they don’t go to the police station and report their own friends, they get a minimum of five years [in jail]," he said to VICE.
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