Burma's 'Saffron Revolution' leader detained within weeks of release

Rangoon, Feb 11 (ANI): Burmese authorities have detained a young monk who helped organise the "Saffron Revolution", a 2007 anti-government uprising led by Buddhist monks against the former-ruling junta, weeks after being released in a prisoner amnesty deal.

Ashin Gambira, 33, was among hundreds of political prisoners freed in January last month by the government.

But unlike many protesters, the outspoken monk has refused to soften his criticism of the government or his demands for more freedom, The Independent reports.

Having been released after being sentenced to 68 years in prison, Gambira planned on reopening a number of monasteries that were sealed or damaged by the authorities following the 2007 uprising.

Gambira claimed they had permission to do so, but the authorities apparently disagreed.

According to information posted on the activist's Facebook page and quoting the monk's brother, Ko Aung Kyaw Kyaw, officials arrested him from the Ledi Monastery in Rangoon where he and others were staying.

Gambira's sister, Ma Lwin, who lives in a refugee camp in Thailand, confirmed that her brother had been taken, but had no further details.

Gambira's arrest has raised questions over Burma's commitment towards political and democratic reform. (ANI)