NEWS

Hidden message
The Burmese authorities have arrested the poet Saw Wai, after realising that one of his love poems contained a hidden message criticising Burma’s military leader. The poem was published in a popular magazine in Rangoon. The first words of each line spelled out the message: ‘General Than Shwe is crazy with power.’ Burma’s military government […]
23 Jan 08

The Burmese authorities have arrested the poet Saw Wai, after realising that one of his love poems contained a hidden message criticising Burma’s military leader. The poem was published in a popular magazine in Rangoon.

The first words of each line spelled out the message: ‘General Than Shwe is crazy with power.’ Burma’s military government closely monitors the media, and dissidents are using sophisticated means to express their opinions.

Source: Burmese service, Irrawaddy; BBC World Service

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At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.

But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.

If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.

Make a £20 monthly donation

At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.

But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.

If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.

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At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.

But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.

If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.

Make a £20 one-off donation

At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.

But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.

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