Burma Update: March 13, 2008

Highlight

Today, Burma's Human Rights Day, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPPB) and the Forum For Democracy in Burma (FDB) have launched a global campaign, "Free Burma's Political Prisoners Now!"

The Campaign demands the release of 1,873 political prisoners detained in jails throughout Burma and
condemns the use of systematic torture, the failed judicial system and targeted harassment of political prisoners’ families. Click HERE to read the Campaign Press Release.

The Campaign also calls upon the international community including the United Nations to step up efforts for the unconditional release of prisoners of conscience in Burma through an online petition on the campaign site, www.fbppn.net, to be submitted to the United Nations Security Council.

Show your support for a free Burma by joining "Free Burma's Political Prisoners Now!"


News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Political Detainee Collapses at Court Hearing
Democratic Voice of Burma: Thousands Bid Farewell to Sai Htee Saing
Mizzima News: Burmese Activists Disappear Mysteriously
Mizzima News: Junta Appoints Poll Booth Officers in Mandalay
Mizzima News: Human Rights Inside Burma Continue Their Slide
Mizzima News: Rangoon in Grips of Security Alert
Narinjara News: Fire Service for Referendum
Narinjara News: Monastery Set Ablaze after Bulldozing
Narinjara News: Migrant Boat Sinks, 115 Missing
Shan Herald Agency for News: Yawdserk: Junta Stirring Up Bad Blood between Wa and SSA South
Kaladan Press Network: Burmese Security Force Orders Listing of Rohingyas Abroad
Kaladan Press Network: Chicken Pox Breaks Out in Arakan
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Stopping the Flow of Information
Irrawaddy News Magazine: More Overseas Job Agencies Get Licenses
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burma’s Democracy Movement Turns 20


News from Regional/International Media

Bangkok Post: PM Going to Burma, But Human Rights Off Agenda
Xinhua Online: Myanmar, South Korea to Build Bio-Research Center
The Straits Times: Hundreds in Japan Demonstrate against Myanmar Junta
The Peninsula: Chinese Influx Stirs Hatred in Myanmar
AFP: UN Expert Says Unlawful Arrests in Myanmar Accelerating
AFP: ILO Extends Myanmar Forced Labor Deal For One Year


Opinion/Other

Irrawaddy News Magazine: A Fight for A Free Burma [Commentary] - Aung Zaw
The Nation: Going Nowhere in Burma
Bangkok Post: Empty-Handed But Undeterred [Analysis] - Larry Jagan
Foreign Policy in Focus: Change in Burma? [Commentary] - May Oo
Reuters: Gold has Grip on Myanmar-in More Ways than One - Ed Cropley
Mizzima News: Only A Positive Program can Provide A Solution [Interview] - Nem Davies
Asian Tribune: Burma’s Longest Serving Prisoner of Conscience Must Be Free - Zin Linn


Report/Briefer

UN Human Rights Council: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of
Human Rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro

National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma: Bullets in the Alms Bowl - An Analysis of the Brutal SPDC Suppression of the September 2007 Saffron Revolution

Free Burma Rangers: Over 2,100 Displaced as Burma Army Mortars Villages and Burns Homes in New Attacks


Fun

Cartoon: Gambari - the Hot Air Balloon
Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine