03.06.2007

99 Democracy and Human Rights Activists Arrested in Burma in May 2007 Alone

 (Click here to see the complete list of these detainees)

Media Release

Date:    1 June 2007 

            The Burmese military regime constantly threatens, arrests and imprisons democracy and human rights activists in Burma. This year, the human rights violations committed by the regime increased. The regime physically attacked democracy and human rights activists in public and made numerous arbitrary arrests.

            In May 2007 alone, the regime arrested 99 democracy and human rights activists.  Among them, 3 activists were imprisoned, 24 were released, and 74 are still being detained (see attached). Most of the activists were arrested for engaging in activities in which they demanded the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. As these arrests took place, the regime declared that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest would be extended for an additional year.

            The international community has voiced their strong concerns about the chaotic political situation in Burma in an attempt to pressure the regime to improve Burma’s progress toward democracy. We, the members of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), (AAPPB), believe that by exercising excessive use of power, the regime is intentionally challenging the international community’s condemnations.

            For that reason, the AAPPB, deeply urges the international human rights organizations including the United Nations, national governments, and non-governmental organizations to apply increased pressure on the Burmese military regime for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)

For more information, please contact:

Tate Naing:        (+66) 81 287 8751

Bo Kyi: (+66) 81 324 8935

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