Burma Update: August 30, 2007

Situation in Burma, August 30

(1) Some detainees at the Kyaikkasan Detention Center begin a hunger strike, with a demand for medical treatment for their fellow detainees, who were severely beaten by USDA members during the protest and sustained injuries. Ye Thein Naing (aka) Oo Way (Chauk Township NLD) was arrested on August 28 during the protest at the Hledan Market. He was severely beaten and his leg was broken by the attackers. The authorities denied medical treatment for him at the detention center. Therefore, his fellow detainees, led by Myo Khin (NLD Yankin Township Chairman), stage a hunger strike today.

(2) Man-hunting by the Burmese military junta to arrest members of the 88 Generation Students (88GS) continues. They distribute the pictures of Htay Kywe, Su Su Nway, Mee Mee, Nilar Thein and Aung Naing at police stations, hotels and inns, and alert the people to inform any information regarding whereabouts of them. Houses of families and friends and relatives of members of the 88GS are repeatedly raided, searched and watched closely. Military trucks, filled with fully-equipped soldiers are running in the streets and at every important location. Vehicles in and out of Rangoon are thoroughly searched by police.

(3) Even under the tight security in Mandalay, second largest city of Burma, a peaceful protest took place with about 50 people. The protest was led by twelve MPs-elect, including U Bo Zan, U Tin Aung Aung, U Htin Kyaw, U Maung Maung Than, U Tin Cho Oo, Dr. Thein Lwin, U Maung Maung Lay, Daw Ohn Kyi, U Paw Khiun, U Maung Maung Win, and U Than Lwin. They made a march from NLD office to the downtown Mandalay about an hour, from 1:30 t0 2:30 PM, and later they turned back to the office due to a heavy rain. They demand for the reducing of high fuel prices, and immediate release of all detainees including members of the 88GS. No one is arrested yet. These MP are members of the 92, who sent a letter to the UNSG Ban Ki-moon.

(4) Another protest took place at Kyauk Padaung Township in Mandalay Division. This protest is also led by members of NLD and about 50 people participated in it. They march from NLD office to a Pagoda at downtown at 10:00 AM. Before they reached near the Pagoda, Township Chairman and USDA members blocked the street and forced them to divert to another street. The protesters agreed to change the route and ended the protest peacefully. Later, U Aye Khaing, who led the protest, was summoned to Township Chairman office. Township Chairman read an order No. 2/88, which was released in September 1988 when the current military junta came to power by killing thousands of protesters and ban all gathering of more than five persons, and asked U Aye Khaing not to repeat the protest again.

(5) Another protest also took place at Kung Gyan Gone Township in Rangoon at yesterday night. At midnight, about 20 protesters came in front the police station with motorcycles and shouted the slogans, calling for the release of all detainees including the 88 Generation Student leaders. Later, when police bean to arrest them, they run away with their motorbikes. No one is arrested yet.


Source: US Campaign for Burma

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Burma Update: August 28, 2007

Dear Friends,

This is an urgent update on today situation.

As of this posting, approximately 15-20 people were arrested at a protest this afternoon started around 2 pm at Hlaedan in Rangoon. A prominent labor rights activist Ms. Su Su Nway is reportedly among these arrested.

Another protest took place in the morning in Sittwe City of Rakhine State, western Burma. About 300 people including many Buddhists monks joined the demonstration.

This is for now.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
APPPB Coordinator

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Burma Update: August 27, 2007

Dear Friends,

It’s been reported that one more activist, Kyaw San, a member of Tri-colour Student and Youth Front (TCSYF), was arrested today and the authorities have stepped up surveillance on pro-democracy activists and members of the NLD party in major cities across the country. Please see the update for today below:

Women leaders of the ’88 Generation Students Group, namely Nilar Thein and Mee Mee, called on the USDA members to protect the dignity of women activists and to join hands with them to stand up for the people and for the good of the country.

These two women leaders said that at present their fellow women demonstrators, including young students and child-caring mothers, have been unable to return homes and mothers are separated from their children since their houses are under surveillance and they have been chased for arrests.

Nilar Thein said they are working peacefully for the good of the country and therefore not guilty and need not to give themselves in to the authorities, and also pledged they will carry on with their commitment and efforts for the country.

Dear All,

FYI, USDA recruits people by paying incentives of 2,000 – 5,000 Kyat (approximately two to four US Dollar) to crack down on peaceful protesters. And with all kinds of financial and political privileges, there is no doubt these hooligans of USDA will continue to commit more vicious crimes against the people.

Bearing this in mind, I would like to alert all Burmese and solidarity friends around the world to include in your calls one specific demand regarding this criminal USDA.

Please demand the SPDC to abolish the USDA, an unlawful and criminal organization under the regime’s “Unlawful Associations Act,” and if they do not comply with this law and do not abolish USDA, the Generals will be held responsible for any kinds of violent acts and crimes against the people that are committed by this Association.

Please also call on all international governments, INGOs and UN Agencies not to provide assistance to this Association and cooperate in no means.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB
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I. More Arrests & Protests/Demands by Burmese People Inside/Outside:

1) One More Arrest (Rangoon, Aug 27): Another activist named Kyaw San, a member of Tri-colour Student and Youth Front (TCSYF), was arrested today.

2) Protest (Pegu, Aug 27): About 30-50 members of NLD party and supporters, led by U Tin Shwe, Member of Parliament-elect from Waw Township, Pegu Division, held a demonstration in downtown Pegu today, about 50 miles north of Rangoon. All protesters were arrested after about 30 minutes and then taken to the Township SPDC office. But they were released after being questioned.

3) Young Monks’ Union (Rangoon, Aug 27): Young Monks’ Union (Rangoon) issued a statement appealing to the senior and their fellow young Buddhist monks to write request letters to the SPDC and mediate the current situation.

4) AAPP (Aug 27): Border-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) issued a statement today confirming a minimum of one hundred human rights activists and peaceful protesters were arrested between August 21 and 25, 2007. But the regime falsely reported only 64 protesters were arrested. The Association demands the regime to release all detainees unconditionally and immediately and appeals to the UN Security Council members to discuss immediately and ask for the UN Secretariat to brief the Council on the situation in Burma and formulate an appropriate and collective action to stop regime-sponsored violence in Burma once and for all.

3) Burmese Community Rally (San Francisco, Aug 28): Organized by Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA) and Burmese American Women Association (BAWA), Burmese activists will rally outside of Federal Building in San Francisco on Aug 28.


II. International Actions:

1) Australia (September 8): Partners Relief & Development Australia Inc. will hold an event to promote to the Australia community the oppression in Burma in Alstonville, NSW.

2) Europe-wide Protests (Aug 31): The Burma Campaign UK today strongly criticised the British government for failing to take concrete action on Burma, following a week arrests and beatings of democracy activists. The BCUK would be holding its first demonstration outside the Foreign Office at 12 noon London time tomorrow on 28th August and urge the UK government to call for Security Council and European Union discussions on Burma.

3) UK (Aug 28): The Burma Campaign UK today strongly criticised the British government for failing to take concrete action on Burma as it will hold a rally.

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Burma Update: August 26, 2007

Dear Friends,

Rangoon City was silent today on Aug 26 with a few travelers on the streets except security forces. It was reported yesterday that police and members of USDA were stopping cars and checking bus, railway and ferry terminals across Rangoon still searching for Htay Kywe, another leader of ’88 Group who was not yet arrested during the 21st Aug midnight arrests of other student leaders. His picture has been posted in local authorities’ offices and in many public places.

Yesterday, more demonstrations took place in three cities in central Burma – Mogok, Yae-nan-chaung and Taung-twin-gyi. About 150-200 joined the march in Mogok. The group stopped at a state-owned gas station to give a letter to the manger to send to the Ministry of Energy with the call to reduce fuel prices. Township authorities accepted it and asked the demonstrators to break up.

Burma Lawyer Council (BLC), independent institute of Burmese legal experts in exile, issued a statement on Aug 25 on its finding of legal analysis on the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA).

BLC said that under the existing Criminal Procedure Code USDA is an “unlawful association.” and demand the SPDC to immediately declare the USDA an “unlawful association” and stop all violence and cease its criminal acts. BLC said if the SPDC does not declare that, it will have been a proof of its using of the USDA as its weapon to crush down its own people violently.

The group also calls on the Government of Japan and other international communities to cease providing assistance to USDA through SPDC as the organization has been taking advantage of human resource development program contributed by Japan to prolong the administrative mechanism of the regime. FYI, please see the text of Unlawful Associations Act of SPDC at the end of this message.

Solidarity Actions:

1) EU Declaration (Aug 25): The Presidency of European Union issued a declaration dated August 25 on behalf of the EU stating that it condemns the SPDC’s decision to detain people who were exercising their basic right to peaceful demonstrations, and calls for their immediate release and further urges the junta to release without delay Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leaders and political prisoners, and to engage with all different components of the society of Burma /Myanmar in the sort of open and inclusive dialogue which is indispensable to long awaited political reform.

2) Demonstration in Bangkok (Aug 26): At 10:00 am today, Thai and Burmese people joined hands and staged a demonstration in front of the SPDC Embassy in Bangkok. About 150 people, including Burmese students and migrant workers and representatives from civil society organizations and political institutions and Thai solidarity friends joined the protest.

3) Demonstration in Korea (Aug 26): About 50 Burmese in Korea staged a demonstration this afternoon in solidarity with people in Burma and in protest of the SPDC’s violent crack-downs on the peaceful protesters.

4) Ethnic and Political Groups’ Voices inside Burma (Aug 25): United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), United Nationalities League for Democracy (UNLD) and Veterans Politicians group inside Burma issued statements and sent letter to General Than Shwe, chairperson of SPDC.

5) Ethnic Groups in Exile (Aug 26): Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC) and National Democratic Front (NDF) – leading political institutions of ethnic nationalities of Burma in exile issued statements calling on the SPDC release all detainees and enter into dialogue with MPs and ethnic opposition forces to solve the country’s problems.

6) Joint Statement by(15) Thai and Burma Groups (Aug 26): Following groups issued joint statement today as they held a demonstration in front of the SPDC Embassy in Bangkok.

(1) Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma (TACDB)
(2) The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)
(3) National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)
(4) National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB)
(5) Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB)
(6) Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (Altsean-Burma)
(7) Labor Union of Arakan (LUA)
(8) Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association (YCOWA - Bangkok)
(9) Rakhaing Patriotic Literature Club (RPLC)
(10) Asia Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
(11) Burmese Women Union (BWU)
(12) Association of Burma Ex-Political Prisoners (ABEP)
(13) The SHWE Gas Movement
(14) The Migrant Karen Labour Union
(15) Thai Students Network

Dear Friends, More solidarity actions will follow outside Burma in many countries in the coming days while it's likely more demonstrations may take place inside Burma as the regime continues to neglect the calls from people to resolve this current economic and political situation. This is all for today.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator,
APPPB
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Unlawful Associations Act of SPDC

Unlawful Associations Act, Section 15(2) provides that “unlawful association” means an association –
(a) which encourages or aids persons to commit acts of violence or intimidation or of which the members habitually commit such acts, or(b) which has been declared to be unlawful by the President of the Unionunder the powers hereby conferred.

Additionally, Section (16) of this law provides –
If the President of the Union is of opinion that any association interferes or has for its object interference with the administration of the law or with the maintenance of law and order, or that it constitutes a danger to the public peace, the President of the Union may, by notification in theGazette, declare such association to be unlawful.

The Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 54(1), provides –
Any police-officer may, without an order from a Magistrate and without a warrant, arrest- first, any person who has been concerned in any cognizable offence or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received or a reasonable suspicion exists of his having been so concerned;

Section 59 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides –
(1) Any private person may arrest any person who in his view commits a non-bailable and cognizable offence, or any proclaimed offender, and without unnecessary delay shall make over any person so arrested to police-officer, or, in the absence of a police-officer, take such a person or cause him to be taken in custody to the nearest police-station.

(2)If there is a reason to believe that such person comes under the provision of section 54, a police-officer shall re-arrest him.

(3) … If there is no sufficient to believe that he has committed any offence, he shall be at once released.

"Recent peaceful demonstrations in Rangoon by leaders of the 88 Generation Students is an expression of widely felt discontent and despair among the people of Burma. Triggered by steep increases in fuel prices, these demonstrations appear to be a logical consequence of many years of political repression and economic mismanagement.” Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt

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Burma Update: August 25, 2007

Dear Friends,

Today, Norway-based Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reported that Htin Kyaw of Myanmar Development Committee (MDC) was arrested round about 1:30 pm at Thein-gyi Market. Zaw Nyunt, an out looker, was also arrested as he tried to help Htin Kyaw.

The authorities have beefed up their search of remaining leaders of '88 Generation Students. Houses of Hla Myo Naung, Than Tin, and Tin Htun Aung were searched again last night. Where about of detainees are not identified yet, including Ms. Sandar Minn who has been taken from her house at midnight last night.

In today's state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar the junta issued a statement and said that the 13 student leaders have been taken under custody and are being interrogated as their activities "not only harm stability of the State, community peace and rule of law but also violate the law (5/96) guarding against acts undermining the efforts to successfully carry out peaceful transfer of State responsibility and facilitate the proceedings of the National Convention."

The statement also said that 13 student leaders are being interrogated and action will be taken against them "in accord with the law". FYI, under this law (5/96) a person can be trialed and sentenced up to 20 years in prison. As you may recall, all these student leaders had spent more than ten years in prison for their peaceful efforts to bring democracy until they were released in 2004.

Solidarity Actions:

1) Tomorrow on August 26, a demonstration has been organized to take place in front of Burmese Embassy in Bangkok at 10 am in the morning, initiated by National Coalition Government of Union of Burma (NCGUB), National Council of Union of Burma (NCUB), Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma (TACDB), Forum Asia, Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB), Alternative Asean Network on Burma (Altsean-Burma).

Another demonstration will also take place in Korea organized by NLD-LA (Korea Branch).

Federation of Trade Unions of Burma (FTUB), Women's League of Burma (WLB), Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA), Burmese Muslims Association (UK), and Australian have joined other Burmese democratic organizations and issued statements of their position over the SPDC's violent attacks on the demonstrators and called on the release of detainees.

Australian Burma Network (ABN) submiited a letter to the Australian Parliamentary Friends of Burma to urge the government in response to the current situation in Burma.

There have been demonstrations outside the Burmese embassy in London everyday since Wednesday by UK-based Burmese democratic organizations.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
APPPB Coordinator


Dear Friends,

Within 4 days from August 21 midnight to August 24 midnight, at least 45 people have been detained in Rangoon for protesting over the sudden unannounced fuel price hike.

It’s been witnessed that during day time, the authorities resort violent attacks on the peaceful activists. During night time, they threaten the activists by raiding and searching houses without any search warrant, and arrest them.

A few hours ago of this posting, house of Ms. Sandar Minn, another female ’88 student leader, located in Bahan Township, was raided. At about 10 pm, a car parked outside her house. At about 12:15 midnight about 30 men entered the compound. She is believed to have been taken away.

Many activists have been unable to go back homes. Residences of about 40 activists have been under surveillance. At the same time the authorities have given a list of names of about seventy (70) people to hotels in Rangoon and issued a directive for the hotels to inform the authorities if any of these 70 people check-in, even if their names are in similarity to those from the list.

Dear Friends,

I'd like to appeal to all friends of Burma, solidarity networks and expatriate communities around the world to take urgent actions to show your support and solidarity with these people in Burma who are taking greater risk of their personal life and security.

Some Suggested Actions are:

1) Hold demonstrations in front of Burmese Embassies in your respective countries (series of demonstrations will make up an enormous moral boost for the people inside to know that they have friends outside the country supporting them.)
2) Write letters to your governments (Ministries of Foreign Affair) and members of parliamentarians and urge them to issue public statement to condemn the SPDC
(or)
3) Write to UN Secretary General to intervene the current situation to protect the these peaceful activists

Please feel free to take any other actions you think deem appropriate depending on your area of work.

FYI, more actions have been taken by international governments on this situation. Ireland and Sweden joined UK, US, Canada, and France, condemning the SPDC and calling for the immediate release of detainees. There have been over 650 newspapers articles around the world about the demonstrations and subsequent attacks. This includes the Washington Post, NY Times, CNN, Reuters, AP, Asian Tribune, Bangkok Post, The Nations, and Thai language media, etc. It was also on BBC World News and Aljazeera TV. This has made Burma one of the top three world stories on Google News, showing how much attention it is receiving.

US Campaign for Burma, Burmese groups in London, India, and Malaysia held demonstrations in front of Burmese Embassies and more will be coming on Sunday in Thailand and Korea at least. USCB is calling for the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to decide on a coordinated international response to the crack-down, and said is greatly challenging, since China has previously blocked all UN Security Council efforts.

So friends, I look forward to your support on this appeal as soon as possible. Please kindly let me know if you are planning to take any actions. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB

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Burma Update: August 24, 2007

Dear All,

More arrests in Rangoon this afternoon. Since the situation is so unstable at present, I will try to keep updating you with as much detailed and accurate as possible.

1) About 20 were arrested at about 2 pm on Bogyoke Road nearby Railway Office and Central Hotel. Names of eight people among the group arrested are:

1. Ma Nge (North Okkalapa)
2. U Saw Hlaing
3. Aung Zaw Oo
4. Myo Min Thein
5. Myint Tun
6. Tun Tun Oo
7. Daw San San Myint
8. Ko Khin Maung Cho

The rest being detained are not yet known.

2) Ms. Nobel Aye has been arrested at her house this morning.

3) About 15 women were picked up near Rangoon City Hall at about 3 pm. But
names are not yet confirmed.

4) As updated in previous email, U Myint Aye of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP) was arrested as leaving his house at about 11:00 am this morning.

Sincerely,

Khin Ohmar
APPPB Coordinator


Dear Friends,

Another stressful day for people in Burma and those of us outside as we all are anxiously keeping our eyes on what's happening inside Burma!

Last night, the residences of Htay Kywe, Hla Myo Naung, Nilar Thein (a former female political prisoner and spouse of Kyaw Min Yu (a) Jimmy), and Aye Aye Tun were raided and searched again.

Ms. Aye Aye Tun (an '88 woman activist) and Aung Kyaw Oo (brother of Htay Kywe, another '88 student leader who is still in hiding) were taken away after the house search by authorities last night. But both of them were released this morning around 10 am Burmese time.

U Myint Aye, a leader of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP) -- a human rights education group, was arrested as he was leaving his house in Kyi-myin-daing round about 11:30 am.

Htay Kywe's picture has been posted in local authorities’ offices in different townships - believed to be an attempt in searching for him. Another student leader, Hla Myo Naung's house has been also surrounded by Special Branch police with stand-by motorbikes.

This situation sends us a clear signal that the authorities will increase their attempts to further crack down on the activists and current movement of the people and the personal security of all remaining '88 Generation Student leaders and activists are at greater risk as they are in the height of being arrested anytime. But they affirmed to continue with their movement.

Today, Foreign Ministry of Czech Republic issues a statement and strongly condemns the arrest of the Burmese democratic activists and supports their efforts leading to the restoration of democracy and political dialogue.

This morning about 200 Burmese activists belonging to the National League for Democracy (NLD-LA), People's Defence Force (PDF), the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF-LA), Arakan League for Democracy (ALD-LA), Zomi National Congress and migrant workers demonstrated in front of the Burmese embassy in Malaysia. They demanded the release of arrested 88 generation student leaders who had protested against the massive fuel price hike.

This is for now.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB
+66 81 884 0772


Dear Friends,

This is the list of statements of condemnations, immediate releases and solidarity actions by international and Burmese communities around the world in support of the peaceful demonstrators in Burma as well as calling for the release of the '88 Generation Student leaders as of Aug 24. This is what I receive so far. More demonstrations and other actions by Burmese expateraites and solidarity friends are expected in coming days to show their support to these protesters inside the country.

Sincerely,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, Asia Pacific People's Partnership on Burma (APPPB)


I. International Community Actions:

1) The office of UNSG said that the UN views the events on the ground with concern and monitoring the situation and trying to get the facts.

2) Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) issued a statement saying it's extremely concerned that the military regime's handling of these peaceful protests may result in similar bloody scenes of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising that saw the killing of many innocent lives.

3) Vav Havel, Nobel Peace Laureate, issued a statement calling for peaceful dialogue between the government and the citizens of Burma.

4) Canada Foreign Minister issued a statement urging SPDC to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people and release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,
etc.

5) The US also called for the immediate release of detained activists and for an end to the regime's blatant attempt to intimidate and silence peaceful demonstrators.

6) UK Foriegn and Commonwealth Office issued a press release condemning the SPDC and urging them to release detained activists immediately.

7) Foreign Minister of France issued a immediate release condemning the SPDC.

8) Human Rights Watch (Asia) issued a statement over the situation.

9) Asian Human Rights Commission issued immediate release.


II. Burmese Community Actions:

1) Today, August 24, Malaysia-based National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) invites Burmese to join the demonstration in front of Burmese Embassy at 9:30 am.

2) On August 26 (Sunday) at 9:30 am, Korea-based National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) invites Burmese to join the demonstration in front of Burmese Embassy and later hold forum to discuss the current political situation.

3) India-based Burmese democracy groups held demonstration on August 23 and sent letters to Indian Government and political parties.

4) National Council of Union of Burma (NCUB) issued statement.

5) National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) issued statement.

6) Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB) issued statement.

7) All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) issued statement.

8) Rakhine Women's Union issued statement.

5) Australia Burma Committee issued a media release and sent to the Australian Governments, MPs, Trade Unions and solidarity groups for actions.

6) Canada-based NLD-LA wrote to Foreign Minister of Canada.

7) Campaign for Democracy in Burma (Finland) wrote a letter to Prime Minister of Finland.

8) Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS) issued a statement.

9) Members of Parliamentary Union (MPU).

10) Burmese activists staged 24 hours hunger strike in front of Burmese Embassy in London on 22-23 August.

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Burma Update: August 23, 2007

Dear Friends,

For now, this is the brief update I can give you on the situation inside Burma.

As of this posting (3 pm Thailand time; Aug 23), there have been a few demonstrations taking place in Rangoon and some cities in the country. It's also reported that approximately about 2,000 security forces have been already deployed in front of Rangoon City Hall area.

This is what I can confirm now.

1) At about 11:00 - 11:30 am, a group of protesters, including Phyu Phyu Thinn (a leading HIV/AIDs educator arrested in last May for leading prayer campaign for release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi), was violently cracked down by members of USDA and police forces nearby Shwe-gon-daing area. About 20 protesters were beaten and dragged into the trucks and taken away. Phyu Phyu Thin and some were able to avoid the voilence.

2) U Ohn Than, who was arrested before for staging solo protests, was arrested at about 1:20 pm Burmese time in front of American Center, Rangoon.

There were also one other demostration in South Dagon area outskirt Rangoon and another one took place near "Sanpya Market" in Thin-gan-gyun, Rangoon reportedly.

There is also been an information about another demonstration to be taken place in Mandalay, the second largest city, and Magway in central Burma. I will send confirmed information when possible.

In Soldarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB

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Burma Update: August 22, 2007

Dear Friends of Burma,

Today was such a tense day!!! More demonstrations were reportedly taken place in different areas in Rangoon following this morning peaceful march led by women activists. However, these are still unable to confirm for details.

There have also been reports of attacks by security forces and activists identified some of their attackers were women. They were holding sticks and chasing out activists from neighborhood.

At least six women and two men activists were arrested this afternoon: They are -Naw Ohn Hla, Ma Yin Yin Myat, Ma Khet Khet U Wai (Shwe-pyi-tha), Ma San San Myint (Dala), Ma Than Zaw Myint (Hlaing Tha Ya), and Ma Khin Sein (Tamwe). The names of two men are not yet known. As of this posting they were already released from detention.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB


Dear All,

This is the update of what's happening in Burma since last night arrests of eleven student leaders as of this posting time.

Update on Arrests of '88 Student Leaders:

This morning, the state-controlled newspapers in Burma have already reported about the arrests citing that these student leaders were being detained for attempted acts to disturb the national security and stability and the implementation of national convention and roadmap process.

Names of these eleven student leaders are revealed in the newspapers. They are: Min Ko Naing, Min Zeya, Ko Ko Gyi, Kyaw Min Yu (a) Jimmy, Mya Aye, Htay Win Aung (a) Pyone Cho, Ant Bwe Kyaw,. Zeya, Kyaw Kyaw Htwe (a) Markee, Pandate Tun, Thet Zaw, Zaw Zaw Min, and Nyan Lin Tun.

Htin Kyaw, a member of Myanmar Development Committee(MDC), who was jailed in February for staging a solo protest about high commodity prices was also in the list of arrests. MDC has already announced a second demonstration against rising commodity prices set to take place today. As of this posting, no news on this protest yet.

This morning, Htay Kywe, one of the '88 student leaders who is on the run, was able to give interviews to BBC, RFA and VOA Burmese News on what happened last night, and Htay Kywe and remaining members of the '88 Group issued a statement denouncing the last night arrests as the act of political violence by the authorities and demanding the immediate and conditional release of those detained leaders and to resolve the current economic and political crises. They also called on the people from all walks of life and students of the country to stand with them in their efforts to bring about democracy in Burma.


Peaceful March led by Women:

1) This morning about 50 women activists started marching from Myay-ni-gone at about 9:30 am and they were joined by hundreds more women and some men supporters while marching towards Hlae-dan.

2) By the time they reached Hlae-dan, the group was expanded to the size of about 300 people, mostly women -- young and old from all walks of life, and then as they moved on, the group finally expanded to about two thousand (2,000) people as more and more people joined them along the way.

3) Onlookers from roadsides cheered the demonstrators and praised with round of applauds. During their march, some private cars drove by and distributed food and water for the demonstrators.

4) However, upsetting news to inform you is that these demonstrators were blocked and distracted by the security forces before reaching to their end point of the March.

5) As of this posting the people have been already dispersed and left the area.

6) At least seven people, including a well-known woman activist were arrested on the spot. Her name is Naw Ohn Hla, a member of NLD party who led Tuesday Prayers at Shwedagon Pagoda for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and was imprisoned for her activism in past few years.

7) Some people from this morning March will be joining the demonstration which will be led by Myanmar Development Committee this afternoon in front of Rangoon City Hall.

Dear Friends,

Today protest reached to a higher momentum as hundreds and hundreds of people kept joining the march along the way, said a participant. But the violent attacks and crack-down by the regime will likely be increased.

So I would like to request that you spread this as wide and far as possible and let me know if there is any actions you think will be effective that you want to initiate in your respective areas of work and networks to show support for these democracy and human rights activists. Thank you.

This is all for now. Will keep you posted again on City Hall protest this afternoon. Please continue to be vigilant. Thank you.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB


Dear Friends,

Really Bad News! Four leaders from the 8888 Generation Student Group have been arrested by Police Special Branch around midnight Burmese time. Those who were already taken away that we can confirm are: Pyone Cho, Ant Bwe Kyaw, Jimmy, and Mya Aye.

We still do not know the situation of other leaders such as Min Ko Naing, Htay Kywe, Ko Ko Gyi, Min Zeya, and others.

Two members of Htin Kyaw, who have called for nationwide protest against the sudden fuel price hike, have also been arrested about the same time tonight.

Five university students were also arrested in the afternoon of Tuesday (Aug 21) by USDA members and plain cloth police officials while they are pasting a poster with demands to reduce the high prices of fuel and basic commodities. They are (1) Kyaw Ko Ko, 25-year old, first year Chemistry, Dagon University, (2) Nyan Oo, 21-year old, Third Year Medical, Institute of Medicine No. 2, (3) Yar Zar Mon, 20-year old, Third Year Medical, Institute of Medicine No. 2, (4) Nyan Linn Oo, 19-year old, Third Year Geography, University of Distant Education, and (5) Nyi Lwin Oo, Third Year Medical, Institute of Medicine No. 2.

An urgent action will be called on this situation. Pls be alerted to your organizations and networks on this situation. Thank you.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB

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Burma Update: August 21, 2007

Dear Friends,

Quick update on today's protest: A group of about 30 people ended the march around noon without troubles from the USDA members who were following and taking photos and video of proceeding of the march and protesters. It's speculated that skyrocketing prices of essential commodities may lead to another uprising and there are fewer people travelling in Rangoon due to high transport costs.


Urgent Action Call:

In light of what's happening in Burma with series of peaceful protests at present, four leading Burmese democratic institutions call for the support from the borders-based civil society organizations and expatriates and friends of Burma around the world to write letters to your respective governments, parliamentarians, and/or the UN Secretary General, or to issue statement to show your solidarity with the 92 MPs-elect from the 1990 Election and support their proposal which includes 7-steps process to realize national reconciliation and democratization in Burma.

This is the first time these leading bodies in the Burmese democracy movement (NCGUB, NCUB, MPU, and NLD-LA) have called for an action in the face of extremely difficult political impasse in Burma (Appeal letter below and attached). More organizations are preparing to join hands to support these MPs' initiative and raise their voice to the UN at the moment.

This is a timely action that friends of Burma can take collectively and raise voice to the UN and international governments. So I hope you will spare a time to write a letter/s or issue statements. The text of the proposal and a sample letter are attached for your information and convenience. I'd appreciate if you could send me copies of your letters or statements. Thank you.

For further information or inquiry on this action call, please contact the following persons:

1) U Bo Hla Tint (NCGUB): Email: ; Tel: +1 301 424 4810

2) U Maung Maung (NCUB): Email: ; Tel: + 1 202 352 7884

3) U Myint Soe (NLD-LA): Email: ; Tel: + 66 86 204 6023

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB
+ 66 81 884 0772

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Burma Update: August 19, 2007

Dear Friends,

Peaceful protest over the sudden unannounced hike of fuel prices by the military regime took place in Burma this morning on August 19 (Sunday).

The 8888 Generation Students Group made a peaceful march in Rangoon this morning, started about 10 am and ended around 12:45 pm. Approximately about 500 people joined them. (See photos attached.)

The march began from Koke-kaing and successfully ended when they reached Kyauk-myong market in Rangoon. Passerby people showed their support as they clapped and waved hands at the demonstrators and a few police and USDA members showed up when nearly ended.

Yesterday, the 8888 Generation Student Group issued a statement regarding the situation of fuel prices. In this statement, the 8888 Group demands that the military regime tackle the problem of skyrocketing commodity prices and inflation rate as a consequence of this sudden unannounced hike of fuel prices and solve the economic and social hardships of the people. They also pointed out that increasing in particular the price of natural gas, which is abundant in the country, is not rational.

Htay Kywe, one of the 8888 student leaders, said that this morning march was also to symbolize and symbolizes the current dreadful situation of ordinary people in Burma because whole majority people have to take “walk” as their best affordable means of transportation for daily survival at this hike of fuel prices while the military elites and their acquaintances possess automobiles which prices range between 75,000 – 250,000 US Dollar. These prices are quick shocking while we all are well aware of the dire situation of the people of Burma as refugees, IDPs, migrant laborers, etc.

There was also another demonstration reported to have taken place about the same time in North Okkapala Township, an outskirt of Rangoon. And it will not be surprising if more and more people take actions in coming days or weeks if the regime does not or cannot resolve this appalling situation. I will keep you posted with further development on this.

FYI, today Bangkok Post reported that North Korean Diplomats arrived in Rangoon as agreed in April 2007 to open the Embassy for the first time since kicked out more than 20 years ago in the aftermath of assassination bomb attack on South Korea’s President and his ministers during their visit to Burma. A number of ministers and high level officials died in the attack. Now the Burmese regime is back in ties with North Korea.

In Solidarity,

Khin Ohmar
Coordinator, APPPB

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