September 1, 2003

We were deeply concerned when we learned that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and tireless crusader for Democracy and Human Rights in Burma, had begun a hunger strike to protest against her illegal detention by the current military junta. Hunger striking is a powerful non-violent method of protest. Under the oppressive regime in Burma, it is one of the few means available to her to fight for democracy while she is imprisoned. We admire her bravery in this act. She is not doing it only for herself, but for nearly 50 million people in Burma who are suffering under the SPDC. Nevertheless, we are aware that hunger striking has serious consequences, even the possibility of death, and we are very worried about this.

Although hunger strike is a peaceful method, the military junta's response is always brutal. The methods employed to force a hunger striker to eat include withholding drinking water, threats and constant beatings. Some political prisoners have died while on hunger strikes and as a result of brutal torture under this repressive regime.

There are currently over 1600 political prisoners in various prisons throughout Burma. There is a history of hunger striking amongst prisoners to draw attention to the injustice of their situation. The following have been staged under the present junta:

Sept 25, 1990: Hunger Strike in Insein prison
May 10, 1998: Hunger Strike in Tharawaddy prison (During this hunger strike, a demonstrator, Aung Kyaw Moe, died as a result of brutal torture)
2002: Hunger Strike in Insein, Khanti and Kale prisons
August 2003: Hunger Strike in Mandalay prison

Daw Aung San Sui Kyi's hunger strike is in response to her illegal detention and the lack of any attempt by the junta to investigate the Depayin incident. This was a junta sponsored attack aimed at sabotaging her political trip to Upper Burma. Reports suggest that up to 70 people were killed and 100 more arrested. The junta's track record also leads us to fear that this may also be a plot to kill Daw Aung San Suu Kyi while shifting the blame from them. Whatever the truth is, the junta's actions are not only threatening her life but the future of Burma as a whole. Moreover, their actions are not in keeping with global perspectives on government. We believe that all these events point out the root of the political conflict between the Burmese people, who want democracy, and the military regime, who wish to hold onto state power at any cost.

In order to end these conflicts we request the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. To solve this problem politically we ask that the United Nations and Asean countries draw up pragmatic plans and timetables for the release of our heroes and for restoring democracy and human rights. Restoring these rights and bringing democracy to Burma is the only way you can help the 50 million suffering people.

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)