Leo Nichols is charged by Rgn auth

[burma@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

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Trader held for illegally using phones and fax
Reuters, Rangoon 

BURMA'S military government said it has arrested a leading
businessman for using telephones and fax machines without
permission, official newspapers reported yesterday.

State-run newspapers said James Leander Nichols, an
Anglo-Burmese, was arrested for using nine telephones and two fax
machines without permission of the Post and Telecommunication
Department.

"Action has been taken against him under existing laws," the
papers said. 
     
Authorities found the items when they searched his house on April
5, after receiving information from a "duty-conscious person,"
the papers reported without giving any more details.
     
Mr Nichols, who is also known as Leo, served as honorary consul
for Norway and as the contact person for Denmark, Finland and
Switzerland, diplomats in Bangkok said on Friday. .

Mr Nichols, 65, is also a close friend of Nobel Peace laureate
Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from six years of house arrest
last July after being detained for her outspoken criticism of the
military rulers.

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