Spanish Tourist Hospitalized After Mugging in Pegu

By Nang Seng Nom 26 February 2015

RANGOON — A Spanish tourist was mugged and sustained multiple slash wounds this week near Badagon village in Pegu Township, about 50 miles northeast of Rangoon.

Carlos, 31, was attacked while on a bike ride in the area on Monday evening. He was transferred to Rangoon General Hospital and the culprits remain at large, according to Pegu Township Police Station No. 3.

“We have opened a case under the charge of Article 394,” an officer from the police station told The Irrawaddy, referring to a Penal Code provision on causing bodily harm in an attempted robbery. “His belongings were not taken away. We sent him to Rangoon Hospital yesterday [Tuesday]. But, we heard he was brought to Thailand today [Wednesday].”

Article 394 is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

According to the police, the victim sustained cuts on the head, forearm, elbow, knee, hand and abdomen.

“This town now frequently sees [muggings],” said Pegu local Myo Min Aung. “Last month, a child was robbed of his bike. We dare not go out on a motorbike alone at night. The news spread because it was a foreigner this time.”

The incident could prove a threat to Burma’s fledgling tourism industry, said Hnaung Hnaung Han, the general secretary of Union of Myanmar Travel Association.

In the most serious case of violence against foreigners in recent memory, a Japanese woman was raped and murdered near Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Division, in 2011.