“We are not impressed. This is an old trick bereft of any sincerity to really address the political prisoners issue in Burma.”
Thus said Egoy Bans spokesperson of the Free Burma Coalition – Philippines following reports of prisoners release in military ruled-Burma in time for the 14th Summit to be held in Thailand from February 27- March 1.
Burma's military government claim that they have begun releasing more than 6,300 prisoners last week, including some members of the opposition National League for Democracy.
The junta’s media said that those who have been released were freed because of good conduct and so they could also vote in the elections due to be held next year.
“Who would believe the military regime? They have jailed Min Ko Naing, their lawyers, including monks and other Saffron activists and sentenced them to 65 years in prison. Now, they are releasing prisoners while Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remain under house arrest and other prominent leaders and activists are still languishing in Burma’s prisons. This is plain hogwash and will not result to any concrete reforms inside Burma.” Bans said.
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC) coordinator Gus Miclat said, “The UN Secretary-General’s demand for the release of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is very clear. The junta is evading this issue by simply releasing common criminals and only few political prisoners.”
“If the standard for releasing political prisoners is “good conduct”, then the junta should jail itself for its gross misconduct against the peoples of Burma.” Miclat added.
“To dangle that those who were released can vote in the 2010 elections is an attack to basic decency. The release of prisoners is not a genuine response by the regime to the international community’s clamor for political change in Burma but a mere deodorizing act to further entrench the generals in power come 2010 elections., “ Miclat explained.
Put Burma in the HOT SEAT
FBC-Phils and APSOC said that the 14th ASEAN Summit should table the issue of rampant human rights violations in Burma and ASEAN leaders should reiterate the demand for the unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners in Burma.
“Make the summit a “hot seat” for the regime. The regime has a lot to answer for especially on the issue of political prisoners and continued human rights violations in Burma. They should force the regime to come up with a concrete plan and time frame for reforms and the ASEAN’s role is to strictly monitor these plans are genuinely implemented,” Miclat stressed. ###
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