More than 200 people joined a demonstration outside the Burmese Embassy in London. The protest was so large that the entire street had to be closed to traffic.
The 8th August is the 20th anniversary of the massacre of thousands of pro-democracy protestors. Today’s protest commemorated the massacre, and focussed on the demand for the release of Burma’s 2,000 political prisoners.
“From today we will be stepping up our campaign for the release of political prisoners,” said Wai Hnin, political prisoner campaigner at Burma Campaign UK”. Wai Hnin’s father, Mya Aye, is currently being held in Insein jail. “When UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari visits Burma in a few days he will be judged on the progress he makes on the release of political prisoners.”
Estimates of those killed 20 years ago today and in the subsequent crackdown range from 3,000-10,000. The regime also suppressed peaceful pro-democracy uprisings in 1996 and 2007. Despite the brutality of the regime it has been able to maintain its grip on power thanks to billions of dollars of trade and investment from around the world, despite calls by Burma’s democrats for targeted economic sanctions.
For more information contact Wai Hnin on 44 (0)20 7324 4710