23 Jan 2016

Kiwi jailed in Myanmar due to be released

6:25 am on 23 January 2016

The family of a New Zealand man imprisoned in Myanmar is hopeful he will be released in the next few days.

Philip Blackwood leaving court in Yangon.

Philip Blackwood leaving court in Yangon. Photo: AFP

The New Zealand Embassy in Myanmar is working with authorities to arrange the official release of Wellington man Phil Blackwood.

Blackwood was jailed for using an image of Buddha wearing headphones to publicise a bar he managed.

The 33-year old was imprisoned in March last year under religious offence provisions of the Myanmar Penal Code.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Mr Blackwood was on the Myanmar Presidential Amnesty list and will be released from detention.

This was understandably of significant relief to his family, it said.

Blackwood's family said they expected he would be released from prison in the next few days.

Blackwood and two colleagues, including the bar's owner, were sentenced to 30 months jail with hard labour after using an image of Buddha to promote a cheap drinks night.