Maxime Verhagen (file photo)

The foreign minister of the Netherlands says he is outraged that Burma has sentenced a well-known comedian to 45 years in prison.

In a statement Wednesday, Maxime Verhagen said the sentences that Burma's military rulers have handed down for Zarganar and others defy belief.

Verhagen urged authorities in Burma to stop intimidating and arresting its people for exercising their human rights.

Zarganar was arrested six months ago while running an aid campaign for survivors of Burma's devastating Cyclone Nargis. He was sentenced last week for violating the Electronics Act, which regulates all forms of electronic communication.  He still faces additional charges.

Over the past month, Burmese authorities have sentenced more than 100 political dissidents to prison terms ranging from less than a year to 68 years.