Burma Update: April 18, 2008

News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Authorities Use Thingyan Floats to Campaign for “Yes” Vote
Democratic Voice of Burma: Overseas Voters Fear Reprisals for Voting “No”
Democratic Voice of Burma: NLD Member Beaten and Arrested for “No” Placards
Democratic Voice of Burma: Min Ko Naing Requests Treatment for Eye Problems
Mizzima News: Junta Arrests Popular Rapper
Mizzima News: Burmese Junta Seeks Constitutional Amnesty
Mizzima News: Court Grants Bail to Detained Burmese Journalists
Mizzima Neews: Four Burmese Journalists Arrested during Olympic Torch Relay
Mizzima Neews: Over 500,000 IDPs at Risk in Burma
Shan Herald Agency for News: Youth Group Doles Out Vote No Leaflets
Shan Herald Agency for News: Junta Targets Revered Shan Monk
Shan Herald Agency for News: Another Former Ceasefire Commander Passes Away
Khonumthung News: Khonumthung Editor Arrested by Indian Authorities
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Pro-Junta Thugs Continue Attacks on Activists
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Popular Burmese Rap Performer Arrested
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Bush, Brown Call for Referendum Observers
Independent Mon News Agency: Government Staffs Forced to Sign Pledge to Cooperate on Referendum
Kachin News Group: KWAT Urges People to Cast "No" Vote
Kachin News Group: Crowds at Thingyan Tent by Kachin Ceasefire Group and Local Firm


News from Regional/International Media

The Straits Times: 'Atmosphere of Intimidation' Clouds Myanmar Polls: British Envoy
Rutland Herald: GMC Student Speaks Out against Burma's Corruption
Scoop: Burma: Junta Detain 20 Pro-Democracy Activists


Opinion/Other

Asia Times: A Boom at the Border - William Sparrow
The Hindu: Sham in Myanmar - Editorials
Reutres: Burma: Are Solidarity and Humanitarian Response Incompatible? - Joel Charny


Statement/Press Release

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners: Min Ko Naing - Leading Burmese Democracy Activist may Face Blindness
ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus: Announcement: AIPMC New Steering Committee 2008 - 2010


Fun

Cartoon: Burmese Job-Seekers Die in Thailand
Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine