Burma Update: March 14, 2008

Highlight

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: Junta Slams UN Special Rapporteur’s Report
Democratic Voice of Burma: Villagers Tricked into Supporting Constitution Principles
Democratic Voice of Burma: NCUB Urges People to Vote No in Referendum
Mizzima News: Thailand's Premier Meets Burmese Junta Supremo
Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta Forces Villagers to Plant Teak
Kachin News Group: Junta-Back Militia Group Employs Locals without Wages
Kaowao News Group: Disappearance of Army Chief of the New Mon State Party
Kaowao News Group: The Examination of 2 Subjects in A Day at Southern Mon State Town
Kaowao News Group: Dam Repairs may Disrupt and Destroy
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Dissidents Fear Security Reinforcements
Irrawaddy News Magazine: NLD Calls for Constitution to be Made Public
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Ban the Dam, Say Activists


News from Regional/International Media

Bangkok Post: UN Rapporteur Ridicules Burma 'Democracy'
Bangkok Post: Noppadon Rejects Sanctions, Burmese to 'Vote No'
Bangkok Post: Outgoing UN Rights Expert on Myanmar Says Government has OK'd Visit
Irish Sun: Myanmar Activists Launch 'Vote No' Campaign for Referendum
Channel News Asia: Nine Killed, 49 Hurt in Myanmar Truck Crash
Dawn: Myanmar’s Courts Stretch Laws
Xinhua Online: Myanmar to Launch ICT Exhibition


Opinion/Other

Bangkok Post: Damming Salween Needs Proper Study First [Water Management] - Zao Noam
Reuters: Crackdown Fallout Hits Myanmar Tourism Hard -Ed Cropley
The Japan Times: Burma Sanctions Don't Work - Brahma Chellaney
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Don’t Blame Gambari! - Nehginpao Kipgen


Report/Briefer

Shan Herald Agency for News: Weekly Diary, No. 292 (8–14 March 2008)

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