Why did the Burmese government arrest activists who sought to help victims of Cyclone Nargis in 2008?
In the absence of government assistance and responsibility, Burmese civil society stepped in to help the survivors of Cyclone Nargis. In the thousands, individuals and communities raised money, collected supplies, and traveled to affected parts of the delta and the Rangoon area, helping shattered villages. Burmese community aid workers, private organizations, and citizens working for international organizations helped their people, often against roadblocks, obstructions, and impediments erected by the authorities. Burmese authorities arrested aid workers and activists for attempting relief efforts independent of the authorities or speaking openly about their frustrations with the government. The comedian Zargana continued to circumvent restrictions and deliver aid, but was arrested for giving interviews to foreign news organizations criticizing the government response. Another 20 people were arrested for trying to publicize the real situation in cyclone-affected areas, or for criticizi
