A Day for Bogyoke & Children

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

A Day for Bogyoke & Children NATIONAL LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL LOCAL BUSINESS President U Htin Sittway Court gives death Investigation Commission on FDI hit over US$ Kyaw receives Thai sentence to culprit involved Maungtaw continues fact- 5.81 billion in 10 Ambassador in Kotankauk Outpost attack finding mission in villages months of this FY PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 3 PAGE 5 Vol. III, No. 304, 3rd Waning of Tabodwe 1378 ME www.globalnewlightofmyanmar.com Tuesday, 14 February 2017 A DAY FOR BOGYOKE & CHILDREN State Counsellor celebrates birthday of her father, Bogyoke Aung San IN commemoration of the 102nd birthday of her father, Bogyoke Aung San, the architect of My- anmar’s independence, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made a pilgrimage to the Pa- godas — Shwe Hpone Pwint, and Cula Mani, in Taunggyi, Shan State — to pray and share her meritorious deeds to all beings. The State Counsellor gave holy offerings of flowers, water ablutions and 102 lighted candles, one for each year since her father’s birth, to the Buddha image con- Above, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, left, speaks with children and staff members in Taunggyi yesterday. Below, with a statue of General Aung San in nected to the star under which Bo- the background, the State Counsellor gives a gift to a child from a philanthropic group in Taunggyi, Shan State. PHOTO: MNA gyoke Aung San was born. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also of encouragement to the student. received the Five Precepts from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was Yangon celebrates the Reverend Sayadaws presided also present at a ceremony dur- over by Soon Loon Sayadaw at ing which a nutritious lunch was Day for Children the Shwe Hpone Pwint Religious given to disabled children and or- Community Hall. phans in commemoration of Bo- marking Bogyoke At the Cula Mani Pagoda, gyoke Aung San’s Birthday, held the State Counsellor similarly at the City Hall of Taunggyi. Birthday offered flowers, water ablutions “The meal was given in com- Zaw Gyi (Panita) and 102 candles. memoration of my father’s birth- While at the Cula Mani Pa- day, and concurrently in honour THE 102nd anniversary of Bogy- goda, she signed the guest book of the Day for Children in My- oke Aung San’s birthday, which and greeted fellow pilgrims. anmar. I would like to pray for is also designated as the Day for During the greetings, a first-year them, to be blessed with health Children in Myanmar, was cele- university student majoring in and pleasure, a long life and hav- brated at the Office of the National Myanmar language and litera- ing an access to serve the coun- League for Democracy in Bahan ture asked the State Counsellor try. Enjoy the meal well. Only if township, yesterday morning. whether she had a right to take you take such a meal will you be At the ceremony, Thura U part in the Peace Process. The healthy. Thank you all.” Tin Oo, patron of the NLD who State Counsellor replied that In a separate event, donation presided over the ceremony, anyone has access to participate money and offertories were later spoke of the importance of recog- in the Peace Process, as does an given by the State Counsellor to nising the nation’s children. unhealthy but strong-minded the association of yellow genera- “There is a day that the world traveller in the journey of life. tion youth philanthropists and designated as the World Day for The State Counsellor gave words SEE PAGE 3 >> Children. SEE PAGE 3 >> 2 NATIONAL 14 February 2017 Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Performance, fund raising Pyidaungsu Hluttaw discusses Union Tax Bill, Territorial River and River Zones Bill ceremony held marking THE PYIDAUNGSU HLUT- istry of Natural Resources and Union Peace Year-2017 TAW held its regular meeting Environmental Conservation and yesterday during which its bill Ministry of Planning and Finance committee submitted findings on clarified the Union Government’s the Union Tax Bill, the Territori- tax report for the first six months. al River and River Zones Bill. In other action, the Py- During the meeting, the Min- idaungsu Hluttaw rejected the istry of Home Affairs, Ministry controversial bill revoking the In- of Agriculture, Livestock and land Water Transport Authority Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Ministry of Transport Act yesterday, following a debate Livestock and Irrigation U Hla and Communications, Ministry on the issue.— Myanmar News Kyaw. PHOTO: MNA of Electricity and Energy, Min- Agency Pyidaungsu Hluttaw nods motion of borrowing 10.787 billion Yen for maintenance of hydro power plants Traditional dancers perform together with comedians at the performance held in conjunction with fund raising for peace process. A MOTION on borrowing 10.787 and found it was necessary to PHOTO: MNA billion Yen (Ks129.87 billion) carry out extensive maintenance from the Japan International Co- tasks from 2017 to 2023 for the A PERFORMANCE and fund Maung Mhway and family from operation Agency for the mainte- plant to reach its full capacity. raising for peace process was Yangon, 50 Lakhs from Linn nance of hydro power plants was Similarly, the Hsedawgyi held at Myanmar International I.T Solution Co.Ltd, 40 Lakhs passed by Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Hydropower Plant, which has Convention Center -2 in Nay from CCD CO.Ltd, and a repre- yesterday by a vote of 506 to 3. been operating continuously for Pyi Taw yesterday, with an sentative from the University of Dr Tun Naing, the Deputy 28 years, has suffered from wear opening speech by Chairman of Taunggyi donating 30 Lakhs. Minister for Electric and Ener- and tear of its machinery and the Union Peace Commission This was followed by a for- gy, said that the ministry would needs major maintenance. Dr Tin Myo Win. mal announcement of the list of proceed to borrow the money in As a result, mainte- Afterwards, Union Minister donors and amount of donations. accordance with the rules. nance tasks will be carried out for the Office of the State Coun- Afterwards MyaPunnamar Japanese and Myanmar en- from the 2017-18 fiscal year sellor of Myanmar U Kyaw and ThiLayThi Troupes per- gineers inspected the Beluchaung to the 2023-24 fiscal year. Dr Tun Naing, the Deputy Minister Tint Swe awarded congratu- formed with music, dance and power generation plant six times — Myanmar News Agency for Electric and Energy. Photo: MNA latory certificates to MyaPun- a-nyeint comedic entertainment namar and ThiLayThi Troupes for the Union Peace Year (2017) Representative U Zarganar and celebration. Main Sponsor Diamond Wall In attendance were Pyithu Pyidaungsu Hluttaw passes Ks3.65 billion Co.Ltd’s Managing Director U Hluttaw Speaker U Win My- Kyaw Zaw Ya. int, Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker allocation for development of Rakhine Following the programme Mahn Win Khine Than, Amyo- Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, tha Hluttaw Deputy Speaker U A MOTION for spending Ks3.65 funds under the 2016 Union concrete road passing through 13 Mayor Dr Myo Aung awarded Aye Thar Aung, Union Elec- billion for the development of Budget Law, according to the villages in Rathedaung Town- certificates of honour to donors tion Commission Chairman and Rakhine State was passed yes- clarification by ministries con- ship and a bridge, said Deputy for the National Reconciliation wife, Union ministers and wifes, terday at the Pyidaungsu Hlut- cerned at the parliament. Minister for Agriculture, Live- and Peace Center, donations Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman taw. Under the progamme, de- stock and Irrigation U Hla Kyaw. include 500 Lakhs from Mu- and wife, National Peace Com- The allocation of Ks3.65 velopment tasks would be car- Plans are underway to hand don Maung Maung Co.Ltd, 250 mission Chairman and wife, billion for socioeconomic de- ried out in 17 townships in the over the project to the Ministry velopment of Rakhine State pro- state. of Construction, which would Lakhs from Authentic Co.Ltd, deputy ministers, MPs, donors posed by President U Htin Kyaw Among them, priority has start in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. 200 Lakhs from Good Broth- and local residents from Nay Pyi would come from the reserved been given to construction of a — Myanmar News Agency er Co.Ltd, 100 Lakhs from U Taw.—MNA Prevention of collapse of river banks, Gov’t, CSOs to raise improving water way made in Sagaing collaboration on disaster prevention projects in Mandalay THERE are 45 projects for pre- experiences. The prevention of implemented with the use of Ks vention of collapse of river banks collapse of river bank will be 908 million of Union reserve A COLLABORATIVE effort to later this month by the Social and improving of water way for conducted on the Sagaing region fund. carry out disaster risk reduction Welfare, Relief and Resettle- smooth transportation Sagaing side,” U Phone Kyaw Sein, direc- “There are many ways to activities will be implemented ment Department, local ad- Region, according to Sagaing re- tor of Sagaing region directorate prevent the collapse of river in six townships in Mandalay ministrative bodies, residents gion directorate of water resource of water resource and improve- banks,” said U Myat Min Tun, which experience natural dis- and civil society organisations and improvement of river sys- ment of river system department. assistant director of Sagaing re- asters on an annual basis, the through a sector-by-sector ap- tems department. Thirty-six projects for pre- gion directorate of water resource Region Minister for Natural Re- proach. A powerful wind hit The project was started at the vention of collapse of rivers are and improvement of river system sources said. townships across Mandalay beginning of January ad targeted being implemented with the use department. The projects will The government hopes to Region between 21 April and to finish in April.
Recommended publications
  • B U R M a B U L L E T
    B U R M A B U L L E T I N ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞A month-in-review of events in Burma∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ A L T E R N A T I V E A S E A N N E T W O R K O N B U R M A campaigns, advocacy & capacity-building for human rights & democracy Issue 20 August 2008 • Fearing a wave of demonstrations commemorating th IN THIS ISSUE the 20 anniversary of the nationwide uprising, the SPDC embarks on a massive crackdown on political KEY STORY activists. The regime arrests 71 activists, including 1 August crackdown eight NLD members, two elected MPs, and three 2 Activists arrested Buddhist monks. 2 Prison sentences • Despite the regime’s crackdown, students, workers, 3 Monks targeted and ordinary citizens across Burma carry out INSIDE BURMA peaceful demonstrations, activities, and acts of 3 8-8-8 Demonstrations defiance against the SPDC to commemorate 8-8-88. 4 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 4 Cyclone Nargis aid • Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is allowed to meet with her 5 Cyclone camps close lawyer for the first time in five years. She also 5 SPDC aid windfall receives a visit from her doctor. Daw Suu is rumored 5 Floods to have started a hunger strike. 5 More trucks from China • UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma HUMAN RIGHTS 5 Ojea Quintana goes to Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana makes his first visit to the 6 Rape of ethnic women country. The SPDC controls his meeting agenda and restricts his freedom of movement.
    [Show full text]
  • Burma's Political Prisoners and U.S. Sanctions
    Burma’s Political Prisoners and U.S. Sanctions Michael F. Martin Specialist in Asian Affairs September 15, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R42363 c11173008 . Burma’s Political Prisoners and U.S. Sanctions Summary The release of all Burma’s political prisoners is one of the fundamental goals of U.S. policy. Several of the laws imposing sanctions on Burma—including the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-61) and the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta’s Anti- Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-286)—require the release of all political prisoners before the sanctions can be terminated. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (P.L. 113- 76) requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to “support programs for former political prisoners” in Burma, as well as “monitor the number of political prisoners in Burma.” Burma’s President Thein Sein pledged during a July 2013 trip to the United Kingdom to release all “prisoners of conscience” in his country by the end of the year. Since his announcement, he granted amnesties or pardons on seven occasions. While President Thein Sein has asserted that all political prisoners have been freed, several Burmese organizations maintain that dozens of political prisoners remain in jail and that new political prisoners continue to be arrested and sentenced. Hopes for a democratic government and national reconciliation in Burma depend on the release of prisoners, including those associated with the country’s ethnic groups. Several ethnic-based political parties have stated they will not participate in parliamentary elections until their members are released.
    [Show full text]
  • Forgive but Don't Forget, Myanmar Comedian-Turned-Activist Says - Alertnet
    Forgive but don't forget, Myanmar comedian-turned-activist says - AlertNet http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/forgive-but-dont-forget-myanmar-come... Thursday 07 June 2012 Mobile Trust.org Login Register as a member Learn more about us LATEST NEWS: Russia: Yemen plan OK for Syria if backed by people Search site HOME NEWS MULTIMEDIA BLOGS CRISIS JOBS CLIMATE COUNTRY ALERTNET CENTRE CHANGE PROFILES MEMBERS Breaking stories Pictures, Opinion and eye Careers in aid and special galleries and witness reports Background and and relief Global to Facts, figures Our community reports videos resources grassroots news and charts of aid agencies Email to a friend NEWS News home Forgive but don't forget, Myanmar comedian- All news turned-activist says Africa Wed, 6 Jun 2012 15:10 GMT Americas Source: Alertnet // AlertNet Correspondent Asia and Pacific Europe Middle East Special Coverage Featured video ALERTNET What is food insecurity? An explanation INSIGHT Exclusive, in-depth reporting from our correspondents TOOLS AlertNet for journalists Comedian, actor and political prisoner Zarganar, who was released from Myitkyina prison in northern Myanmar, smiles at Yangon domestic airport October 12, 2011. REUTERS/Soe Zeya MORE PICTURES & VIDEOS Tools and training for Tun the media YANGON (AlertNet) – For a man who has spent most of his life cracking Job vacancies jokes, Myanmar's most famous comedian and political dissident, Zarganar, has See also: Careers in aid and a sober view of the world and takes his self-appointed role as a custodian of relief the past seriously. U.N. and Syria negotiating wider access for aid agencies Interactive statistics Since his release from jail in October under an amnesty for political prisoners, INSIGHT-Malawi paid price for ego of Explore humanitarian Zarganar has focused on ways of ensuring the atrocities of the past are "Economist in Chief" recorded and not forgotten by future generations.
    [Show full text]
  • Myanmar Amnesty International Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review Tenth Session of the UPR Working Group, January 2011
    Myanmar Amnesty International submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review Tenth session of the UPR Working Group, January 2011 B. Normative and institutional framework of the State The administration of justice in Myanmar is marked by the absence of an independent judiciary and the criminalization of peaceful political dissent. The provisions of the 2008 Constitution and many laws do not meet international human rights standards. Myanmar has only ratified two international human rights treaties, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention of the Rights of the Child; however, the provisions of these are not adequately reflected in domestic law. The Constitution The new Constitution was adopted in a referendum held in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in May 2008. It will come into force after national elections slated to take place towards the end of 2010. Amnesty International has serious concerns in relation to a number of elements within the Constitution that undermine international human rights standards and enable impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations, including past violations: • There are no provisions explicitly prohibiting torture and other ill‐treatment. There are similarly no provisions guaranteeing the rights of arrested persons to be informed promptly of the nature and cause of any charges against them or to a fair and public hearing, and the right of those arrested to be brought before a court within 24 hours does not extend to “matters on precautionary measures” taken on security and similar grounds. Provisions on freedom of expression, association and assembly are restricted by vague references to “community peace and tranquillity” (Article 354).
    [Show full text]
  • NYU/CIC Draft Report
    Pathways to Change Baseline Study to Identify Theories of Change on Political Settlements and Confidence Building By Molly Elgin-Cossart, Bruce Jones, and Jane Esberg July 31, 2012 This is one part of a two-part preliminary study. It is designed to excavate, through interviews with development field staff, perspectives and story lines on how international actors (especially development actors) can influence the degree of inclusiveness of political settlements. This is an interim step to a longer-term, more comprehensive study to assess the causal relationship between donor programming and political settlements. The purpose of this initial study is to narrow the field of inquiry by providing ‘theories of change’ that can then be tested. A cognate study, more conceptually oriented, focuses on political settlements (defined below) that follow violence or episodes or imminent threatened violence, to provide an exegesis of the argument that ‘inclusive enough’ settlements matter to stability and thus development in fragile states. That study is designed to help establish a research agenda that could test and refine that proposition. Prepared with support from the UK Department for International Development, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Carnegie Corporation. 1 Preface ........................................................................................................................... 3 Background: Why an emphasis on inclusive political settlements? ........................... 4 Research approach .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Massive Increase in Burma's Political Prisoners September 2008
    The Future in the Dark: The Massive Increase in Burma’s Political Prisoners September 2008 Jointly Produced by: Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) and United States Campaign for Burma The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP) is dedicated to provide aid to political prisoners in Burma and their family members. The AAPP also monitors and records the situation of all political prisoners and condition of prisons and reports to the international community. For further information about the AAPP, please visit to our website at www.aappb.org. The United States Campaign for Burma (USCB) is a U.S.-based membership organization dedicated to empowering grassroots activists around the world to bring about an end to the military dictatorship in Burma. Through public education, leadership development initiatives, conferences, and advocacy campaigns at local, national and international levels, USCB works to empower Americans and Burmese dissidents-in-exile to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights in Burma and raise awareness about the egregious human rights violations committed by Burma’s military regime. For further information about the USCB, please visit to our website at www.uscampaignforburma.org 1 Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) P.O Box 93, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110, Thailand [email protected], www.aappb.org United States Campaign for Burma 1444 N Street, NW, Suite A2, Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 234 8022, Fax: (202) 234 8044 [email protected], www.uscampaignforburma.org
    [Show full text]
  • Interpreting Myanmar a Decade of Analysis
    INTERPRETING MYANMAR A DECADE OF ANALYSIS INTERPRETING MYANMAR A DECADE OF ANALYSIS ANDREW SELTH Published by ANU Press The Australian National University Acton ACT 2601, Australia Email: [email protected] Available to download for free at press.anu.edu.au ISBN (print): 9781760464042 ISBN (online): 9781760464059 WorldCat (print): 1224563457 WorldCat (online): 1224563308 DOI: 10.22459/IM.2020 This title is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). The full licence terms are available at creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode Cover design and layout by ANU Press. Cover photograph: Yangon, Myanmar by mathes on Bigstock. This edition © 2020 ANU Press CONTENTS Acronyms and abbreviations . xi Glossary . xv Acknowledgements . xvii About the author . xix Protocols and politics . xxi Introduction . 1 THE INTERPRETER POSTS, 2008–2019 2008 1 . Burma: The limits of international action (12:48 AEDT, 7 April 2008) . 13 2 . A storm of protest over Burma (14:47 AEDT, 9 May 2008) . 17 3 . Burma’s continuing fear of invasion (11:09 AEDT, 28 May 2008) . 21 4 . Burma’s armed forces: How loyal? (11:08 AEDT, 6 June 2008) . 25 5 . The Rambo approach to Burma (10:37 AEDT, 20 June 2008) . 29 6 . Burma and the Bush White House (10:11 AEDT, 26 August 2008) . 33 7 . Burma’s opposition movement: A house divided (07:43 AEDT, 25 November 2008) . 37 2009 8 . Is there a Burma–North Korea–Iran nuclear conspiracy? (07:26 AEDT, 25 February 2009) . 43 9 . US–Burma: Where to from here? (14:09 AEDT, 28 April 2009) .
    [Show full text]
  • Financial Times October 12, 2011 Burma Begins to Free Political Prisoners by Amy Kazmin in New Delhi and Ben Bland in Hanoi Burm
    Financial Times October 12, 2011 Burma begins to free political prisoners By Amy Kazmin in New Delhi and Ben Bland in Hanoi Burma’s government has freed numerous political dissidents, signalling its desire for reform after years of direct military rule. The extent of the prisoner release was still unclear on Wednesday evening, as opposition activists were trying to compile lists of dissidents freed from some of the country’s 43 prisons, scattered in remote locations around the country. Prison officials told Burmese journalists that 300 “prisoners of conscience” had been freed. Activists said they had confirmed the release of more than 180 dissidents, including Buddhist monks, opposition politicians, ethnic minority activists, a popular satirist Zarganar and Su Su Nway, a campaigner against forced labour. But with up to 1,500 political prisoners – including some high-profile political activists – still incarcerated, Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Prize-winning democracy advocate, was cautious in her response. “I’m really thankful for the release of political prisoners,” Ms Suu Kyi said as details trickled out. “We hope many more will be released. The more political prisoners are released, the better for the country.” High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email [email protected] to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9e7affae-f493-11e0-a286- 00144feab49a.html#ixzz1aeHfk7X4 Burmese officials said last month they would free a significant number of political prisoners, as they press for an end to sanctions that have helped cripple the south-east Asian nation’s economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Neither Saffron Nor Revolution
    Institut für Asien- und Afrikawissenschaften Philosophische Fakultät III der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin NEITHER SAFFRON NOR REVOLUTION A Commentated and Documented Chronology of the Monks’ Demonstrations in Myanmar in 2007 and their Background PART I Hans-Bernd Zöllner Südostasien Working Papers No. 36 Berlin 2009 Hans-Bernd Zöllner NEITHER SAFFRON NOR REVOLUTION A Commentated and Documented Chronology of the Monks’ Demonstrations in Myanmar in 2007 and their Background PART I Südostasien Working Papers No. 36 Berlin 2009 SÜDOSTASIEN Working Papers ISSN: 1432-2811 published by the Department of Southeast Asian Studies Humboldt-University Unter den Linden 6 10999 Berlin, Germany Tel. +49-30-2093 6620 Fax +49-30-2093 6649 Email: [email protected] Cover photograph: Ho. (Picture Alliance / Picture Press) Layout: Eva Streifeneder The Working Papers do not necessarily express the views of the editors or the Institute of Asian and African Studies. Alt- hough the editors are responsible for their selection, responsibility for the opinions expressed in the Papers rests with the aut- hors. Any kind of reproduction without permission is prohibited. CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 6 FOREWORD 7 1 INTRODUCTION 9 2 GLIMPSES INTO HISTORY: ECONOMICS, PROTESTS AND STUDENTS 12 2.0 From 1824 to 1988 – In Fast Motion 12 2.1 From 1988 to 2007 16 3 FROM AUGUST 15 TO SEPTEMBER 5 25 3.0 Narration of Events 25 3.1 The Media 28 3.2 Summary and Open Questions 29 4 PAKOKKU 35 4.0 Preliminary Remarks 35 4.1 Undisputed facts 35 4.2 On the Coverage of the Events
    [Show full text]
  • Myanmar Media: Legacy and Challenges
    MYANMAR MEDIA: LEGACY AND CHALLENGES MARIA OCHWAT* Abstract: For nearly fifty years Myanmar was ruled by a military junta. It did not tolerate any criticism, and severely punished anyone who dared to oppose them. At the same time, it cut the country off from the rest of the world, preventing it from being informed about Burma’s internal situation. The announcement of the changes came when Thein Sein’s first civilian government was formed in 2011. Almost 10 years have passed since then and Myanmar, according to the Press Freedom Index, is considered to be one of the countries where freedom of speech and freedom of the media are commonly violated and journalists are often persecuted and punished. Freedom of expression is one of the pillars of a democratic society, the basis for its development and a condition for the self-fulfillment of the individual. One of the most important ways of exercising freedom of speech is through free and independent media. The issue of respect for freedom of expression and freedom of the media must be seen in a broader context. It should be noted that there is a close link between respect for human rights and peacekeeping. Although freedom of expression, and thus freedom of the media, is one of those freedoms which may be restricted in specific situations, it cannot be done arbitrarily. Under public international law the exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
    [Show full text]
  • Monthly Chronology of Burma's Political Prisoners for October 2011
    P.O Box 93, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110, Thailand e.mail: [email protected] website: www.aappb.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monthly Chronology of Burma's Political Prisoners for October 2011 P.O Box 93, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110, Thailand e.mail: [email protected] website: www.aappb.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- P.O Box 93, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110, Thailand e.mail: [email protected] website: www.aappb.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monthly Chronology October 2011 Summary of the current situation In October, at least 240 political prisoners were released among a general prisoner release that freed 6,359 total prisoners. AAPP is continuing to receive reports on those released in October and is in the process of confirming. Due to this, the number may vary slightly. The updated number will be included in next month‟s chronology. AAPP is still verifying its political prisoner list and will release the list once the verification process is complete. Trends The U Thein Sein regime granted its second prisoner release since the swearing in of Parliament on 12 October. While the release of any political prisoner is welcomed by AAPP, we urge the U Thein Sein regime to go much further to ensure the dignity of the political prisoner upon release – this includes releasing them with acknowledgment of their status as political prisoners and a wiping of their criminal records. Recent comments by Burmese officials suggest another release is on the way, however the lack of consensus on a definition of what is a political prisoner among the U Thein Sein regime, the international and domestic community make it very difficult to have an accurate number as to how many political prisoners have been released.
    [Show full text]
  • Burma’S Political Prisoners and U.S. Sanctions
    Burma’s Political Prisoners and U.S. Sanctions Michael F. Martin Specialist in Asian Affairs January 24, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R42363 Burma’s Political Prisoners and U.S. Sanctions Summary The release of all Burma’s political prisoners is one of the fundamental goals of U.S. policy. Several of the laws imposing sanctions on Burma—including the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-61) and the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta’s Anti- Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-286)—require the release of all political prisoners before the sanctions can be terminated. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (P.L. 113- 76) requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to “support programs for former political prisoners” in Burma, as well as “monitor the number of political prisoners in Burma.” Burma’s President Thein Sein pledged during a July 2013 trip to the United Kingdom to release all the political prisoners in his country by the end of the year. Since his announcement, he has granted amnesties or pardons on seven occasions in an effort to fulfill his promise. While President Thein Sein has asserted that all political prisoners have been freed, several Burmese organizations maintain that dozens of political prisoners remain in jail and that new political prisoners continue to be arrested and sentenced. Hopes for a democratic government and national reconciliation in Burma depend on the release of prisoners associated with the country’s ethnic groups. Several ethnic-based political parties have stated they will not participate in parliamentary elections until their members are released.
    [Show full text]