Saturday, September 29, 2007

This is important

Everyone: please copy the text below and send it, or a similar one, to the authorities in Myanmar [Burma]:

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Dear Minister

I am deeply concerned by the reports that hundreds of monks and other peaceful protesters, including well-known comedian Zargana and member of parliament Paik Ko have been detained.

I strongly urge the Myanmar authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally, unless they are to be charged with recognizably criminal offences. I call on the authorities to ensure that, while they remain in custody, all the detainees are held only in official places of detention, and are given immediate access to lawyers, their families and any medical treatment they may require. I also call on the authorities to ensure that the detainees are not subjected to torture or any other ill-treatment.

I call on the authorities to ensure that all people in Myanmar are able to peacefully exercise the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly without fear of harassment, intimidation or arbitrary detention, in line with international human rights standards.

Yours Sincerely

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The e-mail address is: mofa.aung@mptmail.net.mm

Fax: +95 1 222 950 OR +95 1 221 719

Snail mail:

Foreign Minister Nyan Win
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Naypyitaw
Union of Myanmar

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I think it's horrible that innocent people, including monks, are being gunned down and/or severely beaten for nothing more than expressing their views of a cruel and heartless military regime. Ordinary citizens can make a difference - let's demonstrate that we're watching!