Burmese comedian Zarganar received a standing ovation on Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York when he joined a star-studded line-up in a fundraiser for Amnesty International.
Known as the Secret Policeman's Ball, the event uses its platform to call for free speech. The concert is traditionally held in the UK, but took place on Sunday night in the US for the first time in its 36-year history.
The benefit concert, which features comedians, musicians and celebrities, was founded by Monty Python's John Cleese, who gathered comics to raise funds for the London-based human rights group.
Zarganar, whose names means “tweezers” in Burmese, told the audience he was not on stage to tell jokes, but to thank Amnesty International. Zarganar was recently released from prison in Burma, officially known as Myanmar, after serving three years of a 35-year sentence.
He was convicted after criticizing the authorities in Burma for not doing enough to help survivors and victims of the devastating Cyclone Nargis disaster in 2008 which killed an estimated 140,000 people.
Known for his scything jokes about Burma's military generals, Zarganar allowed himself a moment of levity when he pointed out that although 25 percent of the country's Parliament is filled by military officers, he would suggest that another 25 percent of parliamentary seats be set aside for comedians. “That way, half the parliament would be crazy.” he said.
E-MAIL
PRINT
COMMENTS (4)
