University of Iowa News Release

Oct. 27, 2005

Burmese Dissident To Discuss Life At Nov. 3 International Thursdays Lecture

Ma Thida, an International Writing Program participant and Burmese fiction writer, physician and dissident, will present "A Story from Burma" from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, in the International Center Lounge. Her lecture is part of the International Thursdays series sponsored by University of Iowa International Programs. It is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Ma will discuss her life experiences as a Burmese dissident. She worked at a charity hospital, which treats poor patients at no cost. She assisted the non-violent National League for Democracy as co-leader of information section and medical in-charge. Her many short stories contain disguised criticism of the Burmese government. Ma was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in 1993, but was pardoned and released in 1999 on humanitarian grounds. She is now the editor of a youth magazine as well as a surgeon at the Muslim Free Hospital.

For more information on this lecture, International Thursdays or special accommodations to attend this lecture, contact Amy Green at 319-335-1433 or amy-green-1@uiowa.edu.

The International Thursdays series is sponsored by UI International Programs and the Stanley-UI Foundation Support Organization and presents discussions with individuals who have had international experiences. The lectures are usually held from noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday in the International Center Lounge or other locations on campus throughout the academic year, with the exception of holidays and breaks.

UI International Programs consists of a number of offices, centers, degree programs, academic programs, research projects and services. Organized under the associate provost and dean of international programs, these units serve to further internationalize the campus and the community and promote global scholarship, research and teaching.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500.

CONTACTS: Media: Lois Gray, 319-335-2026, lois-gray@uiowa.edu; Program: Amy Green, 319-335-1433, amy-green-1@uiowa.edu; Writer: JoAnn Seeman