October 11, 2002

Analyzing the present conditions in Burma, it is clearly seen the way the Burmese military junta is stepping forward. A similar image as four decades ago when the strongman Ne Win seized the state power, there has been no imminent change for the future of the country though one and a half decade has passed since its people unitedly revealed their enthusiasm for fundamental democracy rights.

Like all people of this sphere, the people of Burmese also cherish the fundamental human rights such as freedom, justice and self-determination. However, the dictatorial junta has outlawed every right of the people and instead it oppressed all the people who expose their belief concerning their own rights. Moreover, it intentionally arrested all democracy activists, disregarding holy man or resident, old or young and feminine or masculine, and detained in prisons.

Even though the junta is simulating with the phrases 'humanitarian ground', 'turning of a new page' etc. to earn global support, the concrete domestic episodes have obviously proclaimed that it has no willingness to hand back the democracy rights to the people.

Only days ago on October 9, 2002, U Sai Pa, Vice-Chairperson of the National League for Democracy of Shan state and a Central Committee member who has arrested no more than a month ago, died at Kyaing Ton Prison. On August 17, U Aung May Thuu who was the Chairperson of the National League for Democracy of Min Hla Township died during his prolonged imprisonment at Thayawaddy Prison. Similarly, on July 31, Mai Aik Pan who was the Joint-Secretary of the Palaung State Liberation Front died at Maulemin Prison. According to the records of the deaths, it must be stated that the death rate of political prisoners is one per month.

Analysis on the deaths of political prisoners in custody has proved that most of the cases were subjected to tortures during detentions, insufficient medical treatments and lack of physical as well as mental requirements in prison. As much as information available, the death toll in prison has risen to 73 as a minimum and is something worrying compared to the total number of political prisoners inside prisons of Burma. The list of the victims comprises those who had strong and firm belief in their political deeds: hence it arouses the suspicion that the junta is killing people politically on purpose. In this approach, we are greatly concerned with the political prisoners in countrywide remote prisons who have been in bad health condition.

We believe that the junta is making conditional release of all political prisoners. Release without condition is a repeated request of opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as well as the international community, if it really wants the emergence of a genuine democratic government. As far as the junta goes on deviating from the route of political transformation and turning a blind eye to the will of its own people as well as the international community, it must be defined as it is exercising only for its own benefit neglecting the people's interest.

We assume that it is time for the people of Burma and all other democratic forces to strive for achieving a democratic government of the people by immediately ending such a regime that has been violating the fundamental human rights, which in deed has been the interest and will of Burmese people.

We, the AAPP, affirm that we will continue to carry out for fundamental human rights movement and the release of political prisoners who have been detained because of their enthusiasm in democracy.

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)