Tuesday, May 12, 2009

International Community Must Ensure Release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Her Doctor

For Immediate Release
May 12, 2009



Seven leading alliances, representing all major ethnic and political forces of Burma’s democracy movement, today express deep concern for the security and health of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and urgently call for her immediate and unconditional release, as well as the release of her doctor Dr. Tin Myo Win.

There is serious concern for the health of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She is found with low blood pressure and dehydration and must immediately receive thorough medical attention. Her doctor, Dr. Tin Myo Win, who has been the only person allowed to visit her for monthly check-ups, was detained by authorities on May 7, and his whereabouts is unknown and it is uncertain when he will be released.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 13 of the past 19 years, and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention recently declared her continual detention illegal. Her detention legally expired on May 24, 2008. While the people of Burma and the world eagerly await for her release as her year-long extension is set to expire, it is of grave concern that the military regime may continue to hold her without any charges.

Besides, they must not use false charges, such as the incident of the intrusion of the foreigner into her home on May 3rd, to try and further incarcerate her and Dr. Tin Myo Win.

“From the beginning of her arrest, authorities declared that they had to detain Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the reason of 'protective custody' and thus the authorities are the ones responsible for the intrusion,” said Moe Zaw Oo, Foreign Affairs Secretary, National League for Democracy – Liberated Area.

The seven alliances, representing a broad-based democracy and ethnic forces, urgently call on the United Nations Secretary General, as well as ASEAN and key regional countries to take urgent and firm measures to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Dr. Tin Myo Win.

“The continual detention and mistreatment of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the other 2100 political prisoners in Burma stands against international and regional laws and principles, and there should be no hesitation by the international community to guarantee their direct release,” said Thin Thin Aung, Presidium Board member of Women’s League of Burma.

“The regime’s fear of the widespread popularity of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remains, and they hope to keep her silent and hidden before the 2010 elections. There is widespread anger in Burma over the sham constitution the election is based on, and the only way to bring peace and stability to our country is by genuinely involving Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the process of national reconciliation. Otherwise, the results could be disastrous”, said Mahkaw Khun Sa, General Secretary of Ethnic Nationalities Council.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remains the world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient.


Media Contacts: Moe Zaw Oo (+66 87 773 5580)
Thin Thin Aung (+66 89 855 4119)
Mahkaw Khun Sa (+66 84 366 4238)


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