Today, Aung San Suu Kyi’s period of house arrest expires. The UN has already ruled that her continued detention violates both international and Burmese law. Yet instead of being freed, Burma’s democracy leader and Nobel Laureate is in prison, on completely false charges. She is nearing the end of a trial, the outcome of which has almost certainly been pre-determined by Burma’s ruling Generals. It is up to us to change that determination.
A major new online campaign went live today, to highlight Aung San Suu Kyi’s plight. It will run until 19 June, her 64th birthday, and is a campaign in which celebrities, politicians and members of the public – absolutely anyone – can post messages of support, 64 words long. People can also twitter 64 characters, or post a youtube message of 64 words. The website is www.64forsuu.org
The campaign has already received endorsements from the Prime Minister, and from top Conservatives. David Cameron posted a message saying:
“Aung San Suu Kyi is an inspiration to her country and to the world. Her plight symbolises the suffering of the people of Burma. For over 13 years, she has been unjustly imprisoned despite winning the elections in 1990. So as she marks her 64th birthday I call on Burma's Generals to release her, and to give the Burmese people the freedom they deserve.”
Shadow International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell wrote:
“Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the most courageous and inspiring leaders in the world. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to ensure she is freed to play a part in Burma's future. She has a vital contribution to make to peace and reconciliation in Burma. The Generals must release her immediately, and engage in a meaningful process of dialogue.”
Support has also been received from numerous other high-profile individuals including George Clooney, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Vaclav Havel, David Beckham and Daniel Craig.
The campaign is backed by a coalition of organisations, including Burma Campaign UK, Amnesty International, the Trades Union Congress, Not On Our Watch, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Society Institute, Avaaz, English Pen and US Campaign For Burma.
Take a few minutes to post a message, a you-tube video or to twitter a “64” message, and let us hope that Aung San Suu Kyi will be given the freedom she deserves before her 64th birthday.
