[Greens-Media] Former Burmese political prisoner speaks out on
Human Rights day
John Kaye
John.Kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Wed Dec 10 16:59:50 EST 2008
Former Burmese political prisoner speaks out on Human Rights day
Media release: 10 December 2008
Former Burmese political prisoner and exiled Member of the Burmese Parliament, U Tin Tut, joined with NSW MP John Kaye in calling on the Australian Government to use International Human Rights Day to increase pressure on the military dictatorship.
U Tin Tut MP said: "215 Burmese political prisoners received sentences of up to 65 years in November this year alone.
"I have been a political prisoner. My crime was that I am an elected MP of National League for Democracy from Burma.
"Whilst in prison I was treated inhumanly and was psychologically tortured. It was a terrible, terrible situation that I faced. I can imagine how the other political prisoners suffer.
"My son, Sithu Tut, was also a political prisoner. Each time he was arrested he was severely physically tortured.
"My detention and my son's was illegal and unjust, and the detention of all other political prisoners in Burma is illegal and unjust.
"The Australian government needs to be more active in securing the release of over 2,000 political prisoners in Burma who are fighting for human rights and democracy," Mr U Tin Tut said.
John Kaye who is also President of the Australian Coalition for Democracy in Burma said: "Today the world celebrates International Human Rights Day while thousands of Burmese languish in gaol in appalling conditions for no crime other than asserting their right to protest.
"The Rudd government should increase pressure on that military dictatorship that maintains power by using terror against its own citizens.
"The spirit and courage of the people of Burma and their commitment to restoring democracy after 56 years of dictatorship remains strong.
"With the international community's help, Burma can once again be free," Dr Kaye said.
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