Media Release from European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma
167 parliamentarians from 16 European countries, members of the European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma (EPCB), today called on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to personally secure the release of the opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is on trial after being accused of breaching the terms of her house arrest. The EPCB have written the letter in support of the Free Burma Political Prisoners Now Campaign, which collected more than 400,000 signatures calling for Ban Ki-Moon to take Action.
According to the letter, Ban Ki-Moon should negotiate the implementation of previous UN calls for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners in Burma. The United Nations Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council have all called for her release. This March the UN ruled the detention of the opposition leader as illegal not only under international law, but also under Burmese law.
In direct defiance of the UN, the regime is seeking to prolong the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In further defiance of the UN, the regime is continuing the systematic torture, long-term imprisonment, and transfers to remote prisons, and denial of healthcare on the country’s pro-democracy activists.
“As Secretary General of the United Nations, it is essential you show strong leadership, not only for Burma’s political prisoners, but also for the credibility of the United Nations and your good offices.” the letter says.
The Free Burma Political Prisoners Now petition campaign is organized by the Burmese exile organizations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners and Forum for Democracy in Burma and can be signed athttp://www.fbppn.net.
The European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma was founded in June 2008 to raise awareness on Burma in Europe and promote human rights and democracy in Burma.
For more information contact:
UK: Zoya Phan at zoya.phan@burmacampaign.org.uk
CR: Marie Zahradnikova at marie.zahradnikova@peopleinneed.cz