Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Monday, 13 October 2008
British Government Pledges To Do All It Can to Help People Of Burma
The British Prime Minister’s website has issued a response to an online petition about Burma from the Burma Campaign UK. In its response the government pledges to do all it can to help the people of Burma.
The petition was started one year ago during the democracy uprising, and called on the Prime Minister to personally engage world leaders on the issue of Burma, and set timelines and benchmarks for change.
“We are pleased by the commitment of the British government to continue supporting us in our struggle for freedom, said Hlaing Sein, Campaigns Officer at Burma Campaign UK. “Prime Minister Gordon Brown has consistently raised Burma with fellow world leaders, and has become one of the strongest voices supporting our cause. However, we need to see more concrete action from the international community, and we hope he will lead the way in pushing for a stronger approach by the UN, and more targeted sanctions from the European Union.”
For more information contact Hlaing Sein on 07900990538.
The petition was started one year ago during the democracy uprising, and called on the Prime Minister to personally engage world leaders on the issue of Burma, and set timelines and benchmarks for change.
“We are pleased by the commitment of the British government to continue supporting us in our struggle for freedom, said Hlaing Sein, Campaigns Officer at Burma Campaign UK. “Prime Minister Gordon Brown has consistently raised Burma with fellow world leaders, and has become one of the strongest voices supporting our cause. However, we need to see more concrete action from the international community, and we hope he will lead the way in pushing for a stronger approach by the UN, and more targeted sanctions from the European Union.”
For more information contact Hlaing Sein on 07900990538.
Myanmarese troops who killed Japanese journalist were following government orders
The secret military documents obtained by the Mainichi.
The secret military documents obtained by the Mainichi.
Myanmarese troops who gunned down Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai at an anti-government rally in Yangon last year were explicitly ordered to shoot anyone carrying a camera or video camera, according to secret military documents obtained by the Mainichi Shimbun on Saturday. Local officials had claimed he was shot accidentally.
Hundreds of thousands of monks took part in a string of demonstrations during September 2007, which were brutally put down by the military. The orders appear to be an attempt by the military to prevent evidence of the uprising and consequent military attacks being circulated at home and abroad.
The documents claim that most of those dressed as monks were actually linked to armed underground organizations that were trying to overturn the government, and called for "resolute measures" against them. The orders themselves instructed troops to shoot anyone holding a placard or flag, and those at the head of any demonstrations.
Troops were also told that "those carrying cameras, video cameras or tape recorders were primary targets," and were instructed to shoot if they couldn't make an arrest.
According to military sources, when the demonstrations intensified in mid-September, the military headquarters appointed 15 people to head a new "public order" department, ostensibly to quell the protests. The department -- which was dissolved at the end of the month -- comprised mostly of army personnel, and included both security and secret police forces.
The Mainichi Shimbun has also obtained a new video, showing 50-year-old Nagai immediately after he was shot. In the video, soldiers try and drag a collapsed Nagai up by the hand, with Nagai trying to prop himself up with the other before collapsing again, showing that he was apparently conscious for a period after the attack.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Student killed by mob in Myingyan
A Myingyan college student was attacked and killed last night by a mob of about 20 people armed with sticks and swords, according to students at Myingyan college.
Mahn Bhu Khee, 19, from Chin state's Kanpatlat township, was a second-year Zoology student in Myingyan, Mandalay division.
Locals said the attack took place at around 10.30pm yesterday while he was on his way back from a funfair at Thone Su pagoda by motorbike.
The attack took place about 50 yards away from township police station (1).
An officer on duty at Myingyan police station said Mahn Bhu Khee’s attackers were also on motorbikes.
"The attack took place near the police station and it involved people on motorbikes – he was alone when he was attacked," the officer said.
The officer said about 15 people had been arrested so far in connection with the murder.
Officials at Myingyan hospital said the autopsy showed Mahn Bhu Khee died from a stab wound from a knife sharpener.
"He died on the spot after he was stabbed. A post mortem was carried out this morning but I don't know the exact details as it was done by the hospital chief," an official said.
"The hospital chief is attending the provincial Peace and Development Council meeting at the moment."
Angry students descended on the police station this morning and were told that the police were still in the process of hunting down the perpetrators.
The students speculated that Swan Arr Shin members were responsible for the attack, as they had been told by township police chief Colonel Htun Sint during riot training three days ago that the authorities would take responsibility for the consequences of harsh crackdowns on rioters.
A report earlier this week from a source close to Myingyan township Peace and Development Council office said that local authorities had been given three-step instructions for dealing with protestors – first to try to negotiate with them, then to shoot at their legs and finally to shoot to kill.
A Myingyan resident said it would have been difficult for anyone else to carry out such an attack given the heightened security presence in the township.
"Htun Sint told them during his speech that they had permission to shoot at demonstrators and told them to be sure to treat them harshly," he said.
"Everyone thinks it's them who committed the murder because no one else would do it at a time like this when the security is extremely tight with a police presence all over the place."
Myingyan college students are now negotiating with the authorities to collect their schoolmate's body so they can bury it tomorrow.
Officials at Myingyan college and the victim's family could not be reached for comment on the case.
Mahn Bhu Khee, 19, from Chin state's Kanpatlat township, was a second-year Zoology student in Myingyan, Mandalay division.
Locals said the attack took place at around 10.30pm yesterday while he was on his way back from a funfair at Thone Su pagoda by motorbike.
The attack took place about 50 yards away from township police station (1).
An officer on duty at Myingyan police station said Mahn Bhu Khee’s attackers were also on motorbikes.
"The attack took place near the police station and it involved people on motorbikes – he was alone when he was attacked," the officer said.
The officer said about 15 people had been arrested so far in connection with the murder.
Officials at Myingyan hospital said the autopsy showed Mahn Bhu Khee died from a stab wound from a knife sharpener.
"He died on the spot after he was stabbed. A post mortem was carried out this morning but I don't know the exact details as it was done by the hospital chief," an official said.
"The hospital chief is attending the provincial Peace and Development Council meeting at the moment."
Angry students descended on the police station this morning and were told that the police were still in the process of hunting down the perpetrators.
The students speculated that Swan Arr Shin members were responsible for the attack, as they had been told by township police chief Colonel Htun Sint during riot training three days ago that the authorities would take responsibility for the consequences of harsh crackdowns on rioters.
A report earlier this week from a source close to Myingyan township Peace and Development Council office said that local authorities had been given three-step instructions for dealing with protestors – first to try to negotiate with them, then to shoot at their legs and finally to shoot to kill.
A Myingyan resident said it would have been difficult for anyone else to carry out such an attack given the heightened security presence in the township.
"Htun Sint told them during his speech that they had permission to shoot at demonstrators and told them to be sure to treat them harshly," he said.
"Everyone thinks it's them who committed the murder because no one else would do it at a time like this when the security is extremely tight with a police presence all over the place."
Myingyan college students are now negotiating with the authorities to collect their schoolmate's body so they can bury it tomorrow.
Officials at Myingyan college and the victim's family could not be reached for comment on the case.
88 Generation leader Nilar Thein arrested
Nilar Thein, one of the leaders of the 88 Generation Students group who had been in hiding from government authorities since last year, was arrested last night at a house in Rangoon’s Yankin township.
She took part with other 88 generation leaders in the peaceful march in August last year to protest against the military regime’s doubling of fuel prices.
When the authorities began cracking down on protestors, arresting many of her colleagues, Nilar Thein left her month-old baby daughter with her in-laws and went into hiding.
Nilar Thein’s husband Kyaw Min Yu (also known as Ko Jimmy) is being detained in Insein prison with other student leaders.
She took part with other 88 generation leaders in the peaceful march in August last year to protest against the military regime’s doubling of fuel prices.
When the authorities began cracking down on protestors, arresting many of her colleagues, Nilar Thein left her month-old baby daughter with her in-laws and went into hiding.
Nilar Thein’s husband Kyaw Min Yu (also known as Ko Jimmy) is being detained in Insein prison with other student leaders.
Exiled opposition MPs contest junta’s UN seat
Elected members of parliament from the 1990 election have submitted a letter to the United Nations challenging the right of the ruling State Peace and Development Council to represent Burma at the UN.
The National Council of the Union of Burma, based on the Thai-Burma border, announced yesterday that the campaign letter had been submitted to the office of UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.
The letter was signed by Daw San San, vice-chairperson of the exiled Members of Parliament Union, according to Associated Press reports.
The letter said that the group had established a permanent mission to the UN and had designated MPU secretary U Thein Oo, an MP-elect from Mandalay division, as permanent representative to the UN to push the group’s claims in New York.
The UN secretary-general’s office confirmed that the letter had been received and said it would be dealt in accordance with procedures.
The NCUB campaign is led by secretary-general U Maung Maung and is supported by the MPU, the International Burmese Monks Organisation and Burmese students and young people in the US who have been protesting outside the UN building in New York.
NCUB spokesperson U Myint Thein said the campaign was intended to highlight that the military regime did not legitimately represent the people of Burma.
“Some of the international community regards the SPDC military clique as a legitimate government and think that the constitution written by the SPDC is fine,” he said.
“We are trying to make them understand that after the 2010 election, it will be seen as a legitimate government, but in fact this is against the will of the people,” he went on.
“The SPDC army clique is not a legitimate government and the SPDC is ostensibly opposing and sidelining the great result of the 1990 election.”
But the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the Burmese government in exile made up of elected MPs and led by Dr Sein Win, did not sign up to the NCUB campaign.
Bo Hla Tint, an NCGUB minister, said that other countries would be unlikely to support the NCUB request because of the precedent it could set.
“The NCUB has been holding consultations for more than a year about this. They have been having discussions with us, and we explained our position to them at the time,” Bo Hla Tin said.
“When the result of the election was still fresh in 1993-4 and the situation for democratic countries who supported us was good at the UN, we ourselves consulted friendly countries and our advisors and attempted the same thing,” he explained.
“But friendly countries advised us that if we challenged [the regime’s] credentials, some countries would worry that that could become the norm and it would cause diplomatic difficulties to friendly countries and those that give us humanitarian support,” he continued.
“That’s why we explained that we do not want to do this kind of thing.”
U Bo Hla Tint said that the two sides continued to be at odds over the issue, and that while the NCGUB has issued a statement saying they do not oppose the campaign, they will not play a role in signing or submitting the letter.
There have been rumours of tensions between the NCUB and NCGUB for many years, but they have not previously been made manifest so publicly.
But officials from the two organisations insist that, while there may be differences of opinion over policy, they are united in their aims.
NCUB’s U Myint Thein dispute claims of divisions between the two groups on this issue.
“There is no split; NCGUB has no wish to oppose this action,” he said.
“On their side, there is discussion over whether they should support the campaign, but when it comes to carrying out the duties individually, they are not being able to take an individual and practical role due to their personal circumstances.”
U Bo Hla Tint of NCGUB said the discussions demonstrated the healthy level of debate within the pro-democracy movement.
“What the SPDC is really afraid of isn’t being expelled from ASEAN or the UN – we all know that it is really afraid of having to give up power,” U Bo Hla Tint said.
“This is one campaign, not the main political solution, and differences of opinion on campaigns are not so important,” he explained.
“In terms of the really important political matters, we have no reason to have different opinions. We will continue to work as one with the alliance and the remaining forces,” he said.
“If everyone in the democracy movement had the same opinions on every issue, it would not be a democracy movement - it would become a dictatorship.”
The National Council of the Union of Burma, based on the Thai-Burma border, announced yesterday that the campaign letter had been submitted to the office of UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.
The letter was signed by Daw San San, vice-chairperson of the exiled Members of Parliament Union, according to Associated Press reports.
The letter said that the group had established a permanent mission to the UN and had designated MPU secretary U Thein Oo, an MP-elect from Mandalay division, as permanent representative to the UN to push the group’s claims in New York.
The UN secretary-general’s office confirmed that the letter had been received and said it would be dealt in accordance with procedures.
The NCUB campaign is led by secretary-general U Maung Maung and is supported by the MPU, the International Burmese Monks Organisation and Burmese students and young people in the US who have been protesting outside the UN building in New York.
NCUB spokesperson U Myint Thein said the campaign was intended to highlight that the military regime did not legitimately represent the people of Burma.
“Some of the international community regards the SPDC military clique as a legitimate government and think that the constitution written by the SPDC is fine,” he said.
“We are trying to make them understand that after the 2010 election, it will be seen as a legitimate government, but in fact this is against the will of the people,” he went on.
“The SPDC army clique is not a legitimate government and the SPDC is ostensibly opposing and sidelining the great result of the 1990 election.”
But the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the Burmese government in exile made up of elected MPs and led by Dr Sein Win, did not sign up to the NCUB campaign.
Bo Hla Tint, an NCGUB minister, said that other countries would be unlikely to support the NCUB request because of the precedent it could set.
“The NCUB has been holding consultations for more than a year about this. They have been having discussions with us, and we explained our position to them at the time,” Bo Hla Tin said.
“When the result of the election was still fresh in 1993-4 and the situation for democratic countries who supported us was good at the UN, we ourselves consulted friendly countries and our advisors and attempted the same thing,” he explained.
“But friendly countries advised us that if we challenged [the regime’s] credentials, some countries would worry that that could become the norm and it would cause diplomatic difficulties to friendly countries and those that give us humanitarian support,” he continued.
“That’s why we explained that we do not want to do this kind of thing.”
U Bo Hla Tint said that the two sides continued to be at odds over the issue, and that while the NCGUB has issued a statement saying they do not oppose the campaign, they will not play a role in signing or submitting the letter.
There have been rumours of tensions between the NCUB and NCGUB for many years, but they have not previously been made manifest so publicly.
But officials from the two organisations insist that, while there may be differences of opinion over policy, they are united in their aims.
NCUB’s U Myint Thein dispute claims of divisions between the two groups on this issue.
“There is no split; NCGUB has no wish to oppose this action,” he said.
“On their side, there is discussion over whether they should support the campaign, but when it comes to carrying out the duties individually, they are not being able to take an individual and practical role due to their personal circumstances.”
U Bo Hla Tint of NCGUB said the discussions demonstrated the healthy level of debate within the pro-democracy movement.
“What the SPDC is really afraid of isn’t being expelled from ASEAN or the UN – we all know that it is really afraid of having to give up power,” U Bo Hla Tint said.
“This is one campaign, not the main political solution, and differences of opinion on campaigns are not so important,” he explained.
“In terms of the really important political matters, we have no reason to have different opinions. We will continue to work as one with the alliance and the remaining forces,” he said.
“If everyone in the democracy movement had the same opinions on every issue, it would not be a democracy movement - it would become a dictatorship.”
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Lawyer Kyi Win asks to visit Daw Suu again
U Kyi Win, lawyer for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, is waiting to hear if his request for permission to visit the detained National League for Democracy leader on Friday has been approved.
The NLD has recently expressed concern about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi after reports that she is refusing to accept food deliveries.
U Kyi Win has visited the pro-democracy leader twice this month to discuss her appeal against the military regime’s decision to extend her house arrest for another year.
The NLD has recently expressed concern about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi after reports that she is refusing to accept food deliveries.
U Kyi Win has visited the pro-democracy leader twice this month to discuss her appeal against the military regime’s decision to extend her house arrest for another year.
Five NLD members arrested for peaceful protest
t least five National League for Democracy members were arrested last night and taken to court today, the latest in a series of arrests of NLD members, according to party spokesperson U Nyan Win.
Hlaing Tharyar township NLD members U Tin Yu, U Kyaw San, U Soe Min and Daw Hla Hla Maw, and Kyimyintaing member U Yan Naing Tun were arrested at around midnight by the authorities and taken to Hlaing Tharyar township court today to face charges, U Nyan Win said.
A colleague of Yan Naing Tun confirmed the arrests.
“Last night, six people – the Hlaing Tharyar police commission and his team and members of Kyimyintaing special branch including Win Myint – came to arrest Ko Yan Naing Tun,” he said.
“They are being tried at Hlaing Tharyar court.”
Lawyer U Phoe Phyu said the five had been arrested for carrying out a peaceful demonstration.
“The reason [for their arrest] is that on 15 May they walked from Shwe Yin Aye bus stop to Nyaungdon road in a peaceful protest carrying banners reading ‘Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’,” he said.
The five are being tried alongside Ko Mee Thway, Ko Kyaw Soe Win, Ko Win Myint, Ko San Lwin, Ko Thant Myo and Ko Myo Kyaw Swe, who were arrested on 5 May for staging a demonstration demanding Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release.
Phoe Phyu said the 11 people would all face the same charges.
“They are being charged under sections 143, 145, 152, 505 and 505(b) of the penal code for illegal assembly, resisting officials on duty, and disturbing the public order,” he said.
All 11 were taken to Insein jail after appearing in court, Phoe Phyu said.
According to the NLD’s Nyan Win, around 10 party members and activists have been arrested this month, including U Karkyinsi and his son on 14 August, seven visitors from Irrawaddy division to Rangoon including Ko Aung Kyaw and Ko Tin Aung on 7 August, and Dr Thet Lwin from Rangoon and another person on an unspecified date.
Nyan Win said the latest arrests were further evidence of the authorities’ campaign of harassment against the NLD.
“The NLD has been persecuted from the start, that is nothing out of the ordinary,” Nyan Win said.
“What is strange is that it has become more intense in recent days. They are speeding up the destruction of the NLD. That’s all we can think.”
Hlaing Tharyar township NLD members U Tin Yu, U Kyaw San, U Soe Min and Daw Hla Hla Maw, and Kyimyintaing member U Yan Naing Tun were arrested at around midnight by the authorities and taken to Hlaing Tharyar township court today to face charges, U Nyan Win said.
A colleague of Yan Naing Tun confirmed the arrests.
“Last night, six people – the Hlaing Tharyar police commission and his team and members of Kyimyintaing special branch including Win Myint – came to arrest Ko Yan Naing Tun,” he said.
“They are being tried at Hlaing Tharyar court.”
Lawyer U Phoe Phyu said the five had been arrested for carrying out a peaceful demonstration.
“The reason [for their arrest] is that on 15 May they walked from Shwe Yin Aye bus stop to Nyaungdon road in a peaceful protest carrying banners reading ‘Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’,” he said.
The five are being tried alongside Ko Mee Thway, Ko Kyaw Soe Win, Ko Win Myint, Ko San Lwin, Ko Thant Myo and Ko Myo Kyaw Swe, who were arrested on 5 May for staging a demonstration demanding Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release.
Phoe Phyu said the 11 people would all face the same charges.
“They are being charged under sections 143, 145, 152, 505 and 505(b) of the penal code for illegal assembly, resisting officials on duty, and disturbing the public order,” he said.
All 11 were taken to Insein jail after appearing in court, Phoe Phyu said.
According to the NLD’s Nyan Win, around 10 party members and activists have been arrested this month, including U Karkyinsi and his son on 14 August, seven visitors from Irrawaddy division to Rangoon including Ko Aung Kyaw and Ko Tin Aung on 7 August, and Dr Thet Lwin from Rangoon and another person on an unspecified date.
Nyan Win said the latest arrests were further evidence of the authorities’ campaign of harassment against the NLD.
“The NLD has been persecuted from the start, that is nothing out of the ordinary,” Nyan Win said.
“What is strange is that it has become more intense in recent days. They are speeding up the destruction of the NLD. That’s all we can think.”
NLD member sentenced after exposing corruption
National League for Democracy member who has reported on government corruption cases in the past has been sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment on charges of obstructing a government official.
Tontay NLD member Ma Sandar was sentenced under sections 353 and 294 of the penal code for obstructing a public servant and obscenity.
The charges were brought against her by Tontay township deputy police sergeant Soe Win Aung in February.
The incident took place when two people who bought car batteries from Ma Sandar were stopped and questioned by police and intelligence agents, who then went to Ma Sandar’s shop and got into an argument with her.
Ma Sandar’s husband U Zaw Myint Tun said he believed the charges against her were politically motivated because she had reported cases of official corruption to senior authorities in the past.
Her daughter Theint Theint Thu agreed, saying that her mother had never broken any laws, but was working on behalf of the people.
“She reported the local authorities’ corruption to senior officials to let general Than Shwe know about it and this was within the law,” she said.
Other township residents also said Ma Sandar had been treated unfairly, citing the example of a man who had attacked the township deputy police chief and had only been given a 1000 kyat fine.
Tontay NLD member Ma Sandar was sentenced under sections 353 and 294 of the penal code for obstructing a public servant and obscenity.
The charges were brought against her by Tontay township deputy police sergeant Soe Win Aung in February.
The incident took place when two people who bought car batteries from Ma Sandar were stopped and questioned by police and intelligence agents, who then went to Ma Sandar’s shop and got into an argument with her.
Ma Sandar’s husband U Zaw Myint Tun said he believed the charges against her were politically motivated because she had reported cases of official corruption to senior authorities in the past.
Her daughter Theint Theint Thu agreed, saying that her mother had never broken any laws, but was working on behalf of the people.
“She reported the local authorities’ corruption to senior officials to let general Than Shwe know about it and this was within the law,” she said.
Other township residents also said Ma Sandar had been treated unfairly, citing the example of a man who had attacked the township deputy police chief and had only been given a 1000 kyat fine.
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