Assassination of a most prominent and key leader of the Karen People

Dear Friends,

Nearing the end of this week was such dreadful news that strikes us numb – the assassination of a most prominent and key leader of the Karen people and the Burmese democracy movement. Padoh Mahn Shar (65-year-old) who had stood for democracy and justice for all was shot dead by two gunmen on February 14. He was loved and admired by the Karen people as well as others inside and outside of Burma for his courage and sacrifice he made for his own and all the people of Burma and for his leadership in the struggle for democracy and ethnic equality. His death is of great loss for our movement and our heart goes out to his four children. His wife passed away in 2004.

At the start of the week we had also learned other horrible news about East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta being shot at his home by armed rebel group. Although his condition was serious fortunately it is not life threatening. The Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao was there when the shooting took place and escaped unhurt. We would like to wish the president’s quick recovery from his injury.

Extension of U Tin Oo’s detention:
The NLD’s deputy leader U Tin Oo was arrested in May 2003 after the Depayin Massacre along with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. He was first detained in Kalay Prison in Chin State until February 2004, and then was put under house arrest in Rangoon. On February 13, the regime extended his detention despite the international community’s calls for release of all political prisoners.

Crackdown continues:
Some activists and social workers from Burma escaped to Thai-Burma border town of Mae Sot as the regime’s dragnet arrest continues.

Burma – a dangerous place for journalists:
French-based Reporters without Borders placed Burma as one of the most dangerous place on earth for journalists along with China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since the beginning of 2008, the organization reported that 8 Burmese journalists are detained in Burma. The organization recorded that since last September following the killing of Japanese reporter, Kenji Nagai, about 15 Burmese journalists have been detained and imprisoned.

Situation on political prisoners:
This also has not been improved and some political prisoners are denied medical treatment. Four nuns, who are in their 50s and 80s, and two monks in their 60s are not getting much needed medical treatment in jail. A prominent female member of 88’ Generation Students Group, Mie Mie, is suffering from heart disease and serious form of arthritis. We learned that the other women political prisoners, Ma Noe Noe, Ma Thet Thet Aung and Ma Honey Oo are also in ill health and need medical attention.

Maggin Abbot’s press conference blocked:
U Pannya Zawta, the abbot of Maggin Monastery which had been caring for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) and was closed down by the authorities in Burma, was giving press conference on Thai-Burma border, but was blocked Thai authorities who reasoned that this press conference might impact on their friendship with Burma.

Referendum in May & Election in 2010?:
As we all know this week’s hot topic was the SPDC’s timetable for referendum in May this year and election in 2010. Some leaders of ASEAN, Singapore and China see the regime’s step as “positive development”. However, we, the Burmese people inside and outside the country see this step as no return to democracy. In its new constitution the regime includes 25% representation by the army in the federal level and the president of the country must have military experience.

Rampant impunity ~ sexual crime:
Rape and killing of 32 year old mother of 3 by a soldier from the Public Relations Battalion based in Myitkyina, Kachin State on 30 December 2007 was reported by the Kachin News Group during this week. The soldier in question was interrogated by the Infantry Battalion No. 298 but later released with no charge. The relatives of the victim were told by that battalion that they cannot charge any of the soldiers no mater what crimes they commit. Soldiers from the same battalion which interrogated the perpetrator are also known for robbing and killing of a gold miner early this month.

International support & effort:
Regime’s announcement viewed as “open defiance”
The UN Secretary-General called a meeting with “Group of Friends” on Burma to discuss over the matter of unilateral decision taken by the regime to hold a referendum and election in 2010. During the meeting, the SG said that the UN envoy Mr. Gambari must visit the country as soon as possible. Mr. Gambari is to visit China on 18 to 19 February followed by trips to Jakarta and Singapore. The group’s members like the US, Britain and France hold a particular view over the regime’s latest stance as “open defiance”.

Bulgaria government – imposed restrictive measures against Burma which contains an update of the names of persons from the Burmese regime who are not allowed to enter Bulgaria, whose assets and funds would also be kept out of the country. It also bans investment in state-owned enterprises owned or controlled by the regime or by people related to it. Further restrictions are imposed on the export of machinery, equipment for the timber and timber-processing, the mining of metals and minerals and of precious and semi-precious stones.

International solidarity activities:
In Sydney, students and democracy activists will use the occasion of Rambo 4 opening night on 21^st February 2008 (5 pm) as a day to remember the fallen monks and protestors of September uprising and to bring attention to real situation inside Burma. They will be handing out leaflets about Burma and explain the current situation inside the country to get greater Australian public participation and cooperation for democracy in Burma.

Foreign/diplomatic relations:
Pakistan - the Government of Pakistan has appointed Qazi M Khalilullah as ambassador to Burma. Khalilullah has an MA in International Public Policy from USA and joined foreign services in 1985.

Indian arms fairs:
Burma will attend Indian arms fairs from Saturday to Tuesday in New Delhi which will give them to negotiate on new arms contracts, expand arms trading partners, and attend seminars on weapons technology. Activists in New Delhi are planning to hold protest.