Ten thousand people have now backed Aung San Suu Kyi on the Facebook social networking website.
A Facebook page enables people to become a fan of Aung San Suu Kyi and receive regular updates about the situation in Burma. The high number of supporters puts her in the top one hundred political leaders of all time, both past and present.
“We are using new technologies and new media to reach people and get them engaged in supporting Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma,” said Zoya Phan, International Coordinator of Burma Campaign UK. “People who become a fan are then asked to take practical action that will have an impact in the real world. The regime in Burma has detained Aung San Suu Kyi because they want the world to forget about her. This is another way of ensuring they don’t succeed.”
Aung San Suu Kyi reached a total of 13 years in detention on 24th October. Her current period of detention began in May 2003 after a convoy she was travelling in was ambushed by a regime militia. She escaped with her life but dozens of her supporters were killed.
This week Aung San Suu Kyi received the prestigious Catalonia International Prize in Spain.
“Have no doubt that the regime want Aung San Suu Kyi dead,”said Zoya Phan. “Her high international profile helps to keep her safe, as the regime fears the repercussions of killing her. We are grateful for so many people giving support to our democracy leader.”
The facebook page for Aung San Suu Kyi is at:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Aung-San-Suu-Kyi/9953503420?ref=pdb