Come Back Moezack, We Need You!

A Burmese blogger calling himself Moezack has now joined the country’s wanted list. Wanted by the authorities, infuriated by the way he slipped through their security net and posted photographs of monks marching through Rangoon on the Internet. But also wanted by a public eager for the latest information about what is happening in the crisis-hit country.

Moezak’s Web blog disappeared on Wednesday after just one day of posting images of the monks’ protests. It wasn’t clear whether the authorities had succeeded in closing the blog down. Nor was it clear whether it would reappear—the public and news organizations who used his images, including The Irrawaddy, certainly hope so, for it provided a valuable window on what is happening in sealed-off Burma.

In just one day, Moezack became Burma’s most popular blogger, his images downloaded by Burmese around the world and by international media, including the news organization Al Jazeera.

His fans posted their admiration on his chat room, at the Internet address http://moezack.blogspot.com.  “I really want to know you and want to meet you Ko Moezack,” wrote one.

“We need more photos, please,” appealed another. “We need more information please send more news…”

“What’s going on in Burma?” ran a typical message.

Some messages received by Moezak weren’t so appreciative, however. “Don't talk nonsense, Moezack,” was one reaction after Moezak posted images of Wednesday’s march by monks through Rangoon. “I know who you are and your families are in danger.”

Moezak now joins the hit list of a junta that has no time for Internet users posting political messages and images of anti-regime protests.

Nevertheless, Moezak has won the affection and support of many Burmese who gained an insight into what is happening in their country through his unusual service.  Their message is: “Moezack, we need you. Come back soon!”