(WiPC/IFEX) ? WiPC is seriously concerned about the well-being of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and writer, who was taken into “protective custody” on 1 June 2003 following clashes between NLD and pro-government supporters. Aung San Suu Kyi is reported to have been injured during the clashes, […]
(WiPC/IFEX) ? WiPC is seriously concerned about the well-being of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and writer, who was taken into “protective custody” on 1 June 2003 following clashes between NLD and pro-government supporters. Aung San Suu Kyi is reported to have been injured during the clashes, though it is not thought that her injuries are serious. International PEN is calling for her immediate and unconditional release, and urges that she be given full access to any necessary medical treatment.
According to WiPC’s information, Aung San Suu Kyi was taken into “protective custody” following violent clashes between her supporters and those of the government on 30 May. The military government reports that four people were killed in the clashes, though eye-witnesses estimate the numbers killed to be over 60. Many were also injured, including Aung San Suu Kyi, who is believed to have suffered cuts to the face and shoulder when the window of her car was shattered by a brick. Her injuries are not thought to be serious. She is believed to be held at a military camp just outside Rangoon, and diplomats and United Nations (UN) officials have been denied access to her. Tensions between the military government and the opposition have intensified since the 24 May jailing of 10 NLD members. Most of the NLD’s offices have been shut down, and the government has ordered the indefinite closure of the country’s universities and colleges.
BACKGROUND:
Aung San Suu Kyi was held under de facto house arrest for six years from July 1989 to July 1995, and again from September 2000 until May 2002, when she was released as part of UN-brokered confidential talks between the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and the NLD, which began in October 2000. This process of political dialogue between the military regime and the opposition leader is now in crisis. Ambassador Razali Ismael, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, is due to return to Rangoon this week to try to mediate between the two sides.
Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 1991. She is the author of many books, including “Freedom From Fear” (1991), “Letters from Burma” (1997) and “The Voice of Hope” (1997).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Send appeals to authorities:
– protesting the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi
– calling upon the SPDC to show its commitment to political dialogue by securing her immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
– expressing serious concern at reports that she sustained injuries prior to her arrest and seeking assurances that she is given full access to any necessary medical treatment
APPEALS TO:
Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, Secretary 1
State Peace and Development Council
c/o Director of Defence Services Intelligence (DDSI)
Ministry of Defence
Signal Pagoda Road
Dagon Post Office
Yangon
Union of Myanmar
Fax: +95 1 229 50
Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman.
State Peace and Development Council
c/o Director of Defence Services Intelligence (DDSI)
Ministry of Defence
Signal Pagoda Road
Dagon Post Office
Yangon
Union of Myanmar
Fax: +95 1 229 501
If possible, please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Myanmar in your country.
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
