Today is Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

On this day in 1939, Siyado Uotawa, Buddhist monk and nonviolent revolutionary, starved to death.

Though his successors would fight against British colonialism for the next decade,

O'Tama's death led many to call him the first martyr

in Burma's fight for independence. Welcome to today in True Crime, a parcast original. I'm Vanessa Richardson and

today I'm joined by our guest host Carter Roy from Famous Fates, Movers, and Shakers.

His show explores the notable rises and infamous falls of those who have left a lasting impression on the world.

Carter's here to help explain just how Uwohama's life influenced Burma's

Nationalist Movement, while I'll cover the events that led to his death.

Thanks for having me, Vanessa. while I'll cover the events that led to his death.

Thanks for having me, Vanessa.

Hello everyone.

I am thrilled to dive into the legacy of Ottama's activism.

Of course, thrilled to have you join me. Now let's go back to September 9, 1939,

in the southeast Asian city of Rangoon, Myanmar,

then known as Burma.

Chaos enveloped the streets surrounding Rangoon Central Jail, a prison that was notorious for its poor conditions. Faintly, from within their cell walls, inmates could hear the sounds of riots in the streets where students, civil servants,

and workers chanted.

They were striking against British colonialism in Burma, which had left its people

oppressed under brutish leadership by Britain's occupying forces. The incarcerated

heard gunshots outside as the British police attempted to suppress the violence.

For many, dying in opposition to the colonial rule that had suffocated Burma for the better part of the past century was more noble than remaining silent under its command.

...