Burma Renews Crackdown on Democracy

[Gaybutton]

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST:

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Burmese Fight Democracy

 

UPDATE By Larry Jagan

 

Burma's military rulers have revealed their intention to eliminate anyone who opposes their authority in the lead-up to the planned elections in two years' time.

 

Anyone who poses a challenge to the Burmese regime is being targetted in what may be the biggest crackdown on dissent in the country since the massive pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988, which brought the country to a standstill for months before the army seized power in a military coup.

 

The courts in Burma have been very busy in the last few weeks as hundreds of dissidents have been put away for decades. In the latest case earlier this week, 14 leading Burmese political activists from the 88 Generation Students group, including five women, were each sentenced to 65 years in jail for their involvement in the monk-led uprising in Burma last year.

 

These jail terms are only the latest in a series of harsh sentences the Burmese authorities have doled out to many artists, activists, bloggers, journalists and lawyers in the past few weeks.

 

"The Burmese junta is clearly conducting a major crackdown on all dissent in the country," said Zin Linn, a leading Burmese dissident and former political prisoner, now based in Thailand. "They want to silence all opposition before the planned elections in 2010," he said.

 

A military-controlled court inside the notorious Insein prison compound sentenced the 14 student leaders to long prison sentences for their support of last year's mass protests, dubbed the Saffron Revolt, against increased fuel prices and rising food costs. Most of them had been detained before the brutal crackdown on the demonstrators in September 2007.

 

The United Nations says at least 31 people were killed when Burma's military rulers sent in troops to end the mass demonstrations led by columns of saffron-robed, shaven-headed Buddhist monks - the biggest challenge to military since it seized power 20 years ago.

 

The 14 included Ko Jimmy and his wife, Nilar Thein, who had to abandon her four-month-old daughter when she went into hiding during the September 2007 military crackdown on the protesters. Nilar Thein was eventually arrested two months ago after being on the run for more than a year.

 

The sentences were handed down behind closed doors - members of their families and the groups' defence lawyers were barred from the court.

 

"Is this [65 years] all you can do?" one activist, Min Zeya, reportedly shouted at the judge.

 

Nine other leaders of the group, including the top three - Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kyew - were recently sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court. They continuously interrupted court proceedings, shouting down the judge. They refused to accept the court's authority and insisted they would continue to oppose the judicial system using Gandhian tactics of non-violent civil disobedience.

 

Since the contempt of court conviction, the nine have been moved to Maubin prison in the Irrawaddy delta west of Rangoon, an area devasted by the cyclone in May.

 

"We fear they will now face harsh treatment at the hands of the authorities there, because it is more isolated and family visits are much more difficult," said Burmese actvist Khin Omar, based in Chiang Mai. "The conditions in the prison for political prisoners are getting worse and worse," she warned.

 

The group faces more charges in the coming days, with another 20 members likely to be also given heavy sentences for their activities during the protests.

 

"These convictions are only the tip of the iceberg," said Benjamin Zawacki, the Burma officer for UK-based human rights organisation Amnesty International. Most of them have been held for more than 12 months without trial, and in some cases without being charged, he added. "This probably is only the start of a season of trials and convictions."

 

Many of the group's members were at the forefront of the mass pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988 and were tortured and given lengthy prison terms after the military coup 20 years ago. The activists resumed political activity after they were freed in November 2004, and have spearheaded the protests against the junta, usually focusing on the country's deteriorating economy.

 

Many analysts believe that the junta fears the students even more than it does the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by detained oppositon leader Aung San Suu Kyi, which convincingly won the 1990 elections but was never allowed to form a civilian government.

 

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most of the last 20 years under house arrest.

 

"They think they can handle the NLD, but they know they cannot control the students," said a Western diplomat in Bangkok who deals with Burma. "These sentences will leave them in prison well past the election."

 

Burmese courts have also been handing out harsh sentences on other dissidents this week. The prominent labour rights activist Su Su Nway was sentenced to more than 12 years in jail for her political activities. She served nine months in prison more than two years ago for agitating against forced labour. And 10 members of the NLD from Bogalay in the Irrawaddy delta were also sentenced to between eight and 24 years, said NLD spokesman Nyan Win.

 

"These sentences are a clear signal to everyone that the regime will not tolerate any opposition in the lead-up to the elections in 2010," said Mr Zawacki.

 

The sentences for members of the 88 Generation came one day after the jailing of Burma's best-known blogger, Nay Phone Latt, for more than 20 years for publishing a cartoon of the country's top military leader, General Than Shwe, on his website. His trial was held behind closed doors in Insein prison special court, which also sentenced the well-known poet Saw Wai to two years' jail for publishing a poem mocking Than Shwe entitled February 14, which was published in the journal Ah Chit (Love). The first letter of each line in the poem together spelled out "Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe".

 

In recent weeks there has also been a spate of lawyers being convicted for contempt of court. At least 10 lawyers who have tried to defend the dissidents have ended up in prison, either for challenging the court on their clients' behalf or because their clients had dismissed them since they were clearly unable to do the job. "It is complete intimidation," said Amnesty's Mr Zawacki. "Lawyers are being punished for being the messenger. The lawyers are clearly being warned, 'You must play by our rules and not by any accepted rules of procedure'," he said.

 

There are more than 15 journalists, reporters and photographers still in detention awaiting trial, according to the Burma Media Association. Most of them are accused of publishing material on the conditions in the cyclone-devasted area, and pointing out inadequacies of the relief effort.

 

"The sentencing of the 88 activists and the further arrests in recent days of journalists, bloggers and forced labour complainants, is further evidence of the extent to which conditions in this country are deteriorating in terms of basic political freedoms," said a Western diplomat in Rangoon. "It clearly shows what we can expect in 2010."

[KhorTose]

I spent two weeks traveling in Burma and I can attest to the suffering the people of Burma experience under this monsterous government. Two weeks is not a long time to judge a country or its leadership, but some things are so obvious that two weeks is probably too long. This is one place in the world where the real bad gays are not the west, but China. Without their help and support these two bit superstitilous morons could not last a week. As long as China gives it full support to the government in exchange for the right to rape Burma's natural resources these SOBs will stay in power. Sadly, Thailand and the other Asian countries that could, and should put pressure on China will not do so. This includes Taskin who eagerly made deals with these .....heads.

Now ask me what I really think.

[Guest MonkeySee]

Now ask me what I really think.

 

What do you really think? “This is one place in the world where the real bad gays are not the west, but China.” I think you meant to say bay guys. I was in Burma in August and although I tried, I did not find any “bad gays.” I agree with you a 100% when you talk about the idiotic government in Burma. If the people were not so kind and gentle, I know they would have thrown the generals out long ago. I am not sure if I would blame China for the rape of Burma’s natural resources. The generals would find a market for their exports elsewhere, I am sure. Look at Cuba after the fall of the Soviet Union. Cuba managed to continue even without support of their “big brother.”

[Guest Steve1903]

China may be the most prevalent nation in raping the natural resources of Burma but Western governments and multi national corporations will feel more envy than they would rage. I dont know what the answer is but I do hope the people there are not pinning their hopes on anyone from this corner of the world intervening.

[Gaybutton]

If the people were not so kind and gentle, I know they would have thrown the generals out long ago.

 

To me, the next logical question is why are the people so kind and gentle? Is it because that's generally their nature? Is it because in effect a gun is being held to their heads and they're afraid to be anything other than kind and gentle? Is it something else? Is it a combination of several factors?

 

While the people might be wonderful, the government seems to be a different story. You so much as look at the government cross-eyed and bam! Now they put you away, under God knows what kind of conditions, for the rest of your life. Under the conditions I'm imagining, I don't think that life would last very long and I doubt you would want it to last very long.

 

The following editorial appears in THE NATION:

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The Burmese Junta's True Color

 

By The Nation

 

Published on November 14, 2008

 

When the Burmese junta decided to jail the 14 pro-democracy leaders of the 1988 generation to 65 years old each, or in other words a life sentence, it was clear that the junta leaders want to challenge the whole world community to respond. The junta leaders know full well for now on it could do anything to any person who is considered a threat. Indeed, the Rangoon leaders are getting stronger by the day and become even more dictatorial in its approach and suppression.

 

It is amazing as well that the harsh jail sentences came at the time there are debates on whether the UN, international relief agencies should continue to engage Burma and continue to provide humanitarian aid in the post-Nargis. After the disaster in May, Burma has received overwhelming sympathy from around the world, foreign assistance have poured in to help the suffering Burmese villagers in the Irrawaddy Delta. Medical supplies and others items such as small tractors and other necessities also come to Burma. The point here is the Burmese junta could not care less about the international community. Its leaders happen to know the limits of international cooperation. Once it involves their own national interests, they would be discreet, for fear of further exposure.

 

Like it or not, the Burmese decision would pose a challenge to the incoming US president- elect Barack Obama. His vice president-elect, Joseph Biden, has a long history of support tough legislatures in the Congress in the past several years. The latest JADE ACT, which banned the import of Burmese jewelry, was also the product of collaboration of him and among key law makers. Throughout the Bush administration, the Burma situation has been a non-partisan issue in the Congress. President George W Bush and First Lady Laura Bush have been rather passionate about the plight of Burma. On their latest visit to Thailand in Augusty, they met with the Burmese dissidents and visit camps along Thai-Burmese border. They have done a great job in keeping the Burmese junta on the radar screen in Washington and the rest of the world. Now with Obama, it would be interesting to watch if the US can cooperate with China and India as well as Asean to improve the situation in Burma. Obama has said that he would use dialogue and negotiation to end deadlocks on issues the US encounters.

 

Intuitively, Burma is playing with the international shifting sentiment, which is very temperamental at best. In the time of global economic crisis, it would be difficult to discuss the Burmese suffering. After the Saffron Revolution last September, the sympathy from around the world increased towards the democratic groups operating inside Burma. Everybody thought that they would be able to embed further democratic values. Then, the May devastation caused by the Cyclone Nargis turned schemes of things inside Burma upside down. At first the catastrophe was a curse but later on it turned out to be a blessing because now the junta with a bigger coffer, thanked to influx of foreign currencies and aid; and it is stronger and is more determined to stay the course and annihilated all, both young and old, elements that challenge the regime.

 

The junta is proceeding with its seven-point roadmap with a planned election in 2010. Of course, the outcome is predictable at the moment. But it wants to be sure that in the next polls in 2010 there would be no surprise liked the one in 1990 when the opposition won a landslide votes. Sad to say, the junta leaders are not yielding because they realize that there is a high level of hypocrisy out there in the world. If they stick together and their leadership left unchallenged and do not crack on pressure, nobody can do anything about it. Changes will come only when the opposition groups or the rest of the world accept the junta's terms and conditions. Even at that kind of dire state, many observers continue to back the arguments that the Burmese regime should be engaged, no matter what because there is no other option.

 

Finally, it is obvious after the planned election in 2010, Burma plans to resume its Asean chairmanship, which it skipped in 2005, succeeding Vietnam. That would be the best of time because by that time there would be a surrogate government in place.

[KhorTose]

To me, the next logical question is why are the people so kind and gentle? Is it because that's generally their nature? Is it because in effect a gun is being held to their heads and they're afraid to be anything other than kind and gentle? Is it something else? Is it a combination of several factors?

 

I could not agree more with that question. I found the people to be very religious to the point of being passive. However, I think people are people, and they would rebel if they could. The army is now over 1/2 million strong. It is not only well paid by Burmese standards, but it is housed separately from the population. This housing not only includes the soldiers, but their families as well.

The isolation of the Army, and the families of the soldiers allows the Junta to achieve complete control of the country. The soldiers are not only well off compared to the population as a whole, but their families are hostage to their obeying orders.

 

 

[Guest MonkeySee]

Is it because in effect a gun is being held to their heads and they're afraid to be anything other than kind and gentle? Is it something else? Is it a combination of several factors?

 

People seem to go along with what the government states. Look at Hitler and the German people, look at Fidel Castro and the Cubans, look at the Americans and George Bush.

[Guest Steve1903]

"People seem to go along with what the government states"

 

I seriously doubt the people of Burma "want" to go along with their government policies. What choice do they have?

[Gaybutton]

Look at Hitler and the German people

 

I think it was a completely different story, regarding Hitler. He made it to the top through violence and his charismatic ability to tell the people what they wanted to hear at a time when they wanted to hear it. By the time he reached the peak of his power he was considered almost a god-like figure among the people, provided they weren't Jewish, gay, Jehovah's Witnesses, gypsies, etc.

 

I don't think the Burmese people see their leaders in that light. I don't recall the Nazis having to put down anti-government riots once they were in power. In Burma, I think the people are simply afraid and would prefer to go on trying to live out their lives as best they can rather than become involved in anything that would cause them to lose their lives or end up among the living dead in Burmese prisons.

[KhorTose]

People seem to go along with what the government states. Look at Hitler and the German people, look at Fidel Castro and the Cubans, look at the Americans and George Bush.

 

I am 100% against George W. and what he stands for, but to compare him with Hitler or even Fidel castro is a little strong. A better comparison would be with Howard of Australia (3 Terms), or Blair of The UK (2 terms). Come on Bush, Blair and Howard are all right wing incompetents, but hardly dictators.

[Guest MonkeySee]

"People seem to go along with what the government states"

 

I seriously doubt the people of Burma "want" to go along with their government policies. What choice do they have?

 

Didn't George Washington and his merry band of terrorists, take on the might British empire over a simple thing like taxes?

[Guest Steve1903]

Gosh, going back a bit in history there. I hope most of us are a little bit more enlightened nowadays.

[Gaybutton]

Didn't George Washington and his merry band of terrorists, take on the might British empire over a simple thing like taxes?

 

There was a little more to it than just that, although I can well understand wanting to overthrow a government because of taxes!

 

"Do you realize that America was founded by slave owners who wanted to be free?"

- George Carlin

[Guest lvdkeyes]

There was a little more to it than just that, although I can well understand wanting to overthrow a government because of taxes!

 

"Do you realize that America was founded by slave owners who wanted to be free?"

- George Carlin

 

 

Maybe the US government should be overthrown because of inequitable taxes. We threw out England over taxes, and then proceeded to create a tax system that is in favor of the rich (or very poor who pay no taxes).

[Guest MonkeySee]

Gosh, going back a bit in history there. I hope most of us are a little bit more enlightened nowadays.

 

How about Castro's overthrow of our good friend Battista

[Guest lvdkeyes]

How about Castro's overthrow of our good friend Battista

 

 

With the help of US.

[Gaybutton]

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST:

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Burmese Dictators Demand Support for Regime

 

Rangoon (AFP) - The head of the Burmese military junta called Saturday for all citizens to back a controversial "road map" to democracy, a day after the regime sentenced the country's top comedian to 45 years in jail.

 

Writing in an article on the front page of the state-run New Light of Myanmar newspaper, Snr Gen Than Shwe said it was every citizen's national duty to support the political process.

 

"The state's seven-step road map is being implemented to build a peaceful, modern and developed new democratic nation with flourishing discipline," Than Shwe wrote on the eve of the country's national day.

 

"The entire population are duty-bound to actively participate with united spirit and national fervour in the drive to see the seven-step road map," the paper quoted him as saying.

 

The announcement came in a month when more than 150 activists have been given long jail terms by the military regime, according to opposition sources, in the wake of protests led by the nation's revered Buddhist monks last year.

 

At least 31 people were killed and 74 went missing in the brutal crackdown that followed the demonstrations, according to the United Nations.

 

On Friday, Burma's most famous comedian Zarganar was sentenced to 45 years for contravening the country's Electronic Act, which regulates electronic communications. The charges, however, were not tied to last year's protests.

 

A sports writer, Zaw Thet Htwe, was on the same day handed a 15-year jail term while Gambira, a Buddhist monk who led the protests against the regime in 2007, was given 68 years - the longest sentence handed down so far.

 

They join 23 student activists, including Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe, handed terms of 65 years for their part in last year's protests which began sporadically against fuel-price hikes in August last year, but subsequently involved tens of thousands of people led by the monks.

 

Under the government's "road map" to democracy, Burma has adopted a new constitution after a widely criticised referendum held days after a cyclone ravaged large swathes of the country in early May, leaving 138,000 people dead or missing.

 

Authorities said the referendum, carried out without independent monitoring, had received support from 92.48 percent of voters.

 

The road map paves the way for elections in 2010 in a country that has been ruled by the military since 1962.

 

But the US, the EU and the United Nations have dismissed the lengthy proceedings as a sham due to the absence of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party.

 

The NLD won a landslide victory in 1990 elections but the junta did not allow them to take office.

 

The NLD said Friday the recent jailings decimated a new generation of political leaders.

 

About 150 NLD party members held a ceremony Saturday to mark the country's national day at its headquarters in Rangoon amid tight security.

 

Plain clothes policemen and local militia surrounded the building, while the road to Aung San Suu Kyi's house had been closed with barbed wire since the morning, with increased numbers of police around her house, witnesses said.

 

Rights groups have accused the junta of trying to curb dissent ahead of the 2010 elections.

 

New York-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) Saturday joined UN experts and the United States in condemning the sentences.

 

Brad Adams, the group's Asia director, using the former name of the country, said the jailing of the comedian Zarganar was "a cruel joke on the Burmese people".

 

"But it's a bigger joke on those abroad who still think ignoring repression in Burma will bring positive change," he said.