Statements of condemnation not enough, action needed

Mizzima News: – APSOC
Thu 30 Aug 2007

As the number or those detained in recent protests climbs over the 100 mark, a regional solidarity network is insisting that the international community come now to the aid and assistance of the people of Burma.

The Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC), in a statement released today, is calling for both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations to act immediately in addressing the spiraling crisis and systematic arrests and torture inside Burma.

“ASEAN and the UN should do something more than releasing mild statements. The junta is launching a massive crackdown and the world should not simply sit-down and quietly watch the Burmese military regime drag, lock up and clobber its own people,” says APSOC Coordinator Gus Miclat in the release.

This sentiment is shared by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners – Burma (AAPP) which, on Monday, issued a statement appealing for concrete steps and definitive action by the United Nations Security Council to combat the recent cycle of wrongful and violent crackdowns by government security forces.

AAPP claims that the use of the word “interrogation” in the government press, regarding action taken against those recently arrested, is equivalent to admitting to a policy of state sanctioned torture.

“We know from firsthand experience that those arrested in Burma are always brutally tortured – both physically and psychologically – immediately upon arrest,” stated Tate Naing, AAPP Secretary. All those working with AAPP are themselves former political prisoners.

“The arrest of more than 100 protestors is a desperate attempt to quell people’s legitimate dissent over the arbitrary increase in fuel costs. This is overkill,” added Miclat.

Though the state run media reported that only 64 persons had been arrested from August 21st to 25th, AAPP has documented at least 100 arrests during that time span, in addition to 27 arrests occurring over the course of Monday and Tuesday of this week.

Both APSOC and AAPP warn that, without action, the situation stands to get only grimmer, with riot police and the army on standby, should junta-backed civilian forces fail to adequately suppress demonstrators.

APSOC and AAPP join a growing number of politicians and organizations around the world in calling for action by the United Nations Security Council in addressing the situation in Burma.