Watch: On World Poetry Day, a jailed writer in Myanmar speaks out

On ‪World Poetry Day yesterday, Myanmar poet Maung Saungkha – who is currently on trial at Shwepyithar court in Yangon, accused of insulting the president in his verse – was attacked while at a hearing.

Here, he recites a new lyric about the newly elected democratic government.

The flowers he refers to symbolize success, or a better future.

Shortly after recording this, Maung Saungkha was assaulted by a fellow inmate, sustaining minor injuries. His trial drags on.

On World Poetry Day, a poet is on trial in Myanmar

On #WorldPoetryDay, Myanmar poet Maung Saungkha – who is currently on trial at Shwepyithar court in Yangon, accused of insulting the president in his verse – was attacked while at a hearing. Here, he recites a new lyric about the newly elected democratic government. The flowers he refers to symbolize success, or a better future. Shortly after recording this, Maung Saungkha was assaulted by a fellow inmate, sustaining minor injuries. His trial drags on.

Posted by Coconuts Yangon on Monday, 21 March 2016

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