DHAKA: A New Zealander and two Burmese men have gone on trial in Myanmar on charges of insulting Buddhism.

The trio, who run a bar in Yangon, are accused over a flyer promoting a drinks event depicting Buddha with headphones.

The image triggered an angry response online shortly after it appeared on the bar’s Facebook page.

Burmese law makes it illegal to insult or damage any religion. Myanmar, also known as Burma, has also seen growing Buddhist nationalism.

The flyer from VGastro Bar showed Buddha with his eyes shut, wearing large headphones, and surrounded by lurid colours.

The words alongside advertised a drinks afternoon with limitless alcohol and shisha pipes.

Last week, police shut down the bar and detained general manager Philip Blackwood, 32, owner Tun Thurein, 40, and manager Htut Ko Ko Lwin, 26.

The arrest was triggered by a complaint by an official from the country’s religious department.

The trial could take up to six months and the three could face up to two years in jail.

BDST: 1331 HRS, DEC 18, 2014