Press release from The Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (Burma) and Former Political Prisoners Society
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP) and Former Political Prisoners Society (FPPS) jointly call for the release of all political prisoners prior to the signing of the National Ceasefire Agreement and the 2015 General Election, if national peace and reconciliation is to take effect. The people of Burma, as well as the international community, are looking to the ceasefire and the election as defining moments for Burma’s future as a peaceful, democratic state.
There are currently 95 political prisoners incarcerated within Burma’s prisons with an additional 465 people awaiting trial. With the National Ceasefire Agreement anticipated to be signed in early October, it is imperative that all political, civil and ethnic activists be released so that they can be active participants in the peace talks.
Not releasing political prisoners before these historic events will only serve to obstruct Burma’s progression toward a peaceful, democratic state. These people are actively working towards strengthening and bettering Burma for the good of all its peoples, and the arbitrary arrest and incarceration of people on political grounds is detrimental to the progression of the state.
AAPP and FPPS calls on the government to release political activists and those facing trial, who are concerned with political and civil rights, before the 2015 General Election and the National Ceasefire Agreement.
In addition to this AAPP and FPPS urge the all political parties, Members of Parliament and ethnic armed organizations who plan to sign the National Ceasefire Agreement to call on the government to end its oppression of political activists and release them unconditionally.
Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (Burma)
Former Political Prisoners Society
Contact:
Ko Tate Naing (AAPP) + 95 (0) 9428023828 Ko Tin Maung Oo (FPPS) + 95 (0) 95501429