DOCSLIB.ORG

Neither Saffron Nor Revolution

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

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 – Media Reports 36 4.3 Summary and Disputed News 38 3 4.4 Interpretations, contexts and analogies 39 4.5 Open Questions 43 4.6 Conclusions 44 5 THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA 45 5.1 Reflections on the Sources Taken from the Media 45 5.2 The Media 48 5.3 Conclusions 58 6 THE MONKS’ DEMONSTRATIONS – SEPTEMBER 18 TO SEPTEMBER 25 59 6.0 Preliminary Remarks 59 6.1 Undisputed Information 59 6.2 On the Coverage of the Events – Media Reports 63 6.3 Summary and Disputed Information 69 6.4 Interpretations, contexts and analogies 70 6.5 Open Questions 78 6.6 Conclusions 80 7 MONKS, SOCIETY AND THE TURNOVER OF THE ALMS BOWL 81 7.1 The two Sides of the Alms Bowl 81 7.2 From Early Times to the End of the Burmese Kingdom 1885 83 7.3 The Colonial Period 84 7.4 After Independence 87 7.5 Conclusion 91 4 8 CRACKDOWN AND SUPPRESSION 92 8.0 Preliminary Remarks 92 8.1 Undisputed Information 93 8.2 On the Coverage of the Events – Media Reports 95 8.3 Summary and Disputed Information 98 8.4 Interpretations, contexts and analogies 99 8.5 Open Questions 101 8.6 Conclusion: Two Pyrrhic Victories 102 9 EPILOGUE 103 9.1 The Aftermath 103 9.2 Instead of a Conclusion 112 BIBLIOGRAPHY 118 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted to many people inside and outside Myanmar who helped me to write and publish this book. It is not possible for the time being to express my gratitude to my friends in Myanmar by men- tioning their names. Therefore, I would like express my sincere gratitude to everybody who helped to bring out this work by just saying: Thank all of you! The Friedrich-Ebert Foundation supported this publication by a grant for the proof reading. 6 FOREWORD The idea to write this chronology was conceived on Friday, October 12, 2007 around 8 p.m. at one of Yangon’s many Thai restaurants. This Thai restaurant had for some time been the regular meeting place of the authors of this book and some of his Burmese friends. He had visited Myanmar twice a year for some years and since the beginning of 2005 with the main task of advancing the Myanmar Literature Project focusing on a famous Book Club named Nagani, Red Dragon.1 He had arrived one day before this particular meeting for another routine visit of 14 days which had been planned long be- fore the protests. The main theme of this particular meeting was not the Book Club but what had happened some weeks before. Information, impressions and assessments collected in Yangon and in Germany were ex- changed and rather spontaneously the idea was conceived to put both perspectives together and write an account of the events by way of a commented chronology. The idea of this book was born. It was that September 18, 2008, one year after the monks’ demonstrations started on the 19th anniversary of the 1988 coup would be the fitting date for the presentation of the material result of the idea i.e. the publication date of such a book. However, the idea could not be implemented as intended. The main reason was that the “insiders” for obvious reasons did not want to be named as co-authors of the publication. Second, it was not easy to find a publisher for the book. These difficulties resulted in a compromise. A short account in German was published before the first anniversary of the beginning of the demonstrations that contained neither footnotes nor documents.2 The “full version” was then accepted by Prof. Vincent Houben of Berlin’s Humboldt University to be published in the series of Working Papers by the Department of Southeast Asian Studies. It is hoped that it helps to carry forward the long tradition of Burma studies The account published here does not and cannot claim to present the “true story” of what happened in August and September 2007 in Myanmar. The time span between the events and the writing about them is too short for an account putting the events into a proper historical perspective. Moreover, the emotional reactions to the events which are a little bit elaborated at the beginning of chapter 8 are on the one hand very appropriate given the dramatic nature of what happened. At the same time, they point to the limits an unbiased evaluation of the episode under review here. The main aim of this account, therefore, is to present some material which allows the reader with some interest in Myanmar to make up his own mind and to preserve some information, impressions and as- sessments which otherwise might get lost. Hopefully, the reader will share the opinion that the mean- ing of the monks’ demonstrations can only be understood if one considers them as part of a global and extremely complex net of interdependencies which defies simple judgements and that the people of Myanmar need not just sympathy but a thorough investigation into the causes of their problems as well which may be related to some of our own troubles. Regarding the controversial question of nomenclature of the country and its geographical parts, this study tries to follow the “middle path”. Since the name “Myanmar”, introduced by the State Law and Order Restoration Council in 1989 for international use was accepted by the United Nations and most 1 For details see http://www.phil.uni-passau.de/die-fakultaet/lehrstuehle-professuren/suedostasien/suedostasien/forschung/| myanmar-literature-project.html 2 Hans-Bernd Zöllner (2008) Weder Safran noch Revolution. Eine kommentierte Chronologie der Demonstrationen von Mönchen in Myanmar/Birma im September 2007. Hamburg, Abera. 7 states except the United States of America, this name – as well as Yangon for the country’s biggest city - will be used here for all events after 1989. Referring to the time before the declaration, the names “Burma”, Rangoon” etc. will be used thus not following the present policy in Myanmar to change all these denominations retroactively. Before introducing this project in some more detail, the text of the Metta Sutta shall be reproduced that was chanted by the monks on many occasions – not only on the critical days accounted and analysed here. It can only be hoped that the message of this Sutta will materialise one day for all those who took part in the events described and analysed here and for all people outside Myanmar who are concerned about what happened and happens in this beautiful country. This Sutta’s translation by Acharya Buddharakkhita, a monk from Sri Lanka, preserves the poetic tone of the Sutta.3 Metta Sutta The Hymn of Universal Love Let none deceive or decry Who seeks to promote his welfare, His fellow anywhere; Having glimpsed the state of perfect peace, Let none wish others harm Should be able, honest and upright, In resentment or in hate. Gentle in speech, meek and not proud. Just as with her own life Contented, he ought to be easy to support, A mother shields from hurt Not over-busy, and simple in living. Her own son, her only child, Tranquil his senses, let him be prudent, Let all-embracing thoughts And not brazen, nor fawning on families. For all beings be yours. Also, he must refrain from any action Cultivate an all-embracing mind of love That gives the wise reason to reprove him. For all throughout the universe, (Then let him cultivate the thought:) In all its height, depth and breadth – May all be well and secure, Love that is untroubled May all beings be happy! And beyond hatred or enmity. Whatever living creatures there be, As you stand, walk, sit or lie, Without exception, weak or strong, So long as you are awake, Long, huge or middle-sized, Pursue this awareness with your might: Or short, minute or bulky, It is deemed the Divine State here. Whether visible or invisible, Holding no more to wrong beliefs, And those living far or near, With virtue and vision of the ultimate, The born and those seeking birth, And having overcome all sensual desire, May all beings be happy! Never in a womb is one born again.
Recommended publications
  • Important Facts About the 2015 General Election Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation - Emref

    Important Facts About the 2015 General Election Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation - Emref

    Important Facts about the 2015 Myanmar General Election Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation (EMReF) 2015 October Important Facts about the 2015 General Election Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation - EMReF 1 Important Facts about the 2015 General Election Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation - EMReF ENLIGHTENED MYANMAR RESEARCH ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ABSTRACT FOUNDATION (EMReF) This report is a product of the Information Enlightened Myanmar Research Foundation EMReF is an accredited non-profit research Strategies for Societies in Transition program. (EMReF has been carrying out political-oriented organization dedicated to socioeconomic and This program is supported by United States studies since 2012. In 2013, EMReF published the political studies in order to provide information Agency for International Development Fact Book of Political Parties in Myanmar (2010- and evidence-based recommendations for (USAID), Microsoft, the Bill & Melinda Gates 2012). Recently, EMReF studied The Record different stakeholders. EMReF has been Foundation, and the Tableau Foundation.The Keeping and Information Sharing System of extending its role in promoting evidence-based program is housed in the University of Pyithu Hluttaw (the People’s Parliament) and policy making, enhancing political awareness Washington's Henry M. Jackson School of shared the report to all stakeholders and the and participation for citizens and CSOs through International Studies and is run in collaboration public. Currently, EMReF has been regularly providing reliable and trustworthy information with the Technology & Social Change Group collecting some important data and information on political parties and elections, parliamentary (TASCHA) in the University of Washington’s on the elections and political parties. performances, and essential development Information School, and two partner policy issues.
  • Myanmar's Spring Revolution

    Myanmar's Spring Revolution

    EUROPEAN POLICY BRIEF MYANMAR ’S SPRING REVOLUTION : A PEOPLE ’S REVOLUTION Myanmar’s Spring Revolution is a grassroots, bottom-to-top nationwide resistance against the military ruling class that retook state power in February 2021. It is unprecedented in scale, fascinating in form and shows a profound societal change within the country. Michal Lubina , April 2021 INTRODUCTION A People’s revolution Myanmar’s Spring Revolution is a grassroots, bottom-to-top nationwide resistance against the military ruling class that retook state power in February 2021. It is unprecedented in scale, fascinating in form and shows a profound societal change within the country. EVIDENCE AND ANALYSIS The end of hermit country Burma has traditionally been called a hermit country 1 – a designation not uncommon in Asia (Bhutan and especially Korea were similarly named), yet very fitting in the case of Myanmar. Precolonial Burmese kingdoms were generally inward-looking, with periods of sometimes spectacular external expeditions being exceptions rather than the rule. Some believed Burma’s isolation was due to economic self-sufficiency, others ascribed it to geography. Still others looked for explanations in the cultural realm, believing - like Aung San Suu Kyi in her early writings 2 - that Buddhism made Burmese uninterested in foreign ideas. Whatever the reasons, it was only the colonial period that brought Burma into the global, capitalist world, however imperfectly: “Burma had been thrown open to the world, but the world had not been opened up to Burma.” 3 This forceful incursion inflicted wounds that never healed. That is why after the creative and chaotic decade of the 1950s (somewhat similar to the last ten years), Burma reverted to self-isolation after the 1962 1 Gustaaf Houtman, Mental Culture in Burmese Crisis Politics: Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, ISLCAA Tokyo 1999, p.
  • The Third Force in Myanmar

    The Third Force in Myanmar

    The Third Force and the Architecture of Civil Society -State Relations in the Transition in Myanmar, 2008-2017 The Third Force and the Architecture of Civil Society -State Relations in the Transition in Myanmar, 2008-2017 ___________________________ Mael Raynaud Independent Analyst [email protected] Abstract Myanmar has embarked on a political transition in 2011, a transition better described here as a transition to a hybrid system, with elements of democracy and elements of a military rule. Building on the existing literature on transitions, political crises, civil society, and political influence, the present article attempts to define what the role of civil society has been in this process. Using the author ‘s concepts of a social stupa, in Myanmar, and of the "architecture of civil society-state relations", observed through various "points วารสาร สิทธิและสันติศึกษา ปีที่ 4 ฉบับที่ 2 of contacts" between the two, the author sets an argument that political influence is stronger in the points of contact at the top of the social stupa where the civil society elite meets political elite. In that sense, civil society leaders can be seen as groups that organically channel the voice of civil society to those in power. This perspective explains the strategy behind the Third Force, a group of civil society leaders that gained influence in the wake of cyclone Nargis in 2008 and had a significant impact on the political process, and officially or semi-officially became advisors to President U Thein Sein from 2011 to 2016. The article then argues that the NLD government has cut much of these ties, but that civil society-state relations have nevertheless been profoundly re-shaped in the last decade.
  • Birma Na Zakręcie. Zmiany W Kraju Tysiąca Pagód 2007–2014

    Birma Na Zakręcie. Zmiany W Kraju Tysiąca Pagód 2007–2014

    BIRMA NA ZAKRĘCIE MIĘDZY DYKTATURĄ A DEMOKRACJĄ BIRMA NA ZAKRĘCIE. ZMIANY W KRAJU TYSIĄCA PAGÓD 2007–2014 „Złoty Budda Mahamuni siedzi w głębi głównej nawy. Na wysokości jego pępka widać rusztowanie, a na nim trzech uwijających się mężczyzn, którzy nieustannymi ruchami PRZEMYSŁAW GASZTOLD-SEŃ rąk jak gdyby poprawiają coś w posągu. [...] Zachęceni przez przewodnika, wdrapujemy pracownik Biura Edukacji Publicznej IPN, się na rusztowanie, ale jedna z belek przywiera tak ściśle do posągu, że aby przejść do doktorant na Wydziale Dziennikarstwa i Nauk Politycznych Uniwersytetu przodu i stanąć oko w oko z Buddą, trzeba na zakręcie oprzeć się rękami o jego ramię. Warszawskiego. Autor książki Konces- Czuję obiema dłońmi gorącą lepkość jakiejś mazi i prześlizgnąwszy się szybko na przedni jonowany nacjonalizm. Zjednoczenie pomost rusztowania, odrywam z instynktownym uczuciem wstrętu ręce od posągu: są Patriotyczne „Grunwald” 1980–1990 ubabrane złotem” – zanotował w maju 1952 r. Gustaw Herling-Grudziński w dzienniku (2012, Nagroda Historyczna „Polityki” z podróży do Birmy1. Od czasu jego wizyty w Mandalaj minęło ponad sześćdziesiąt lat2. za debiut, nominacja do Nagrody Przez ten długi czas posąg Buddy znacznie się rozrósł dzięki płatkom złota przylepianym im. Kazimierza Moczarskiego), współautor tomu Syria During the Cold War. The East codziennie przez setki pielgrzymów. Przywiązania do religii nie podminowały ani rządy European Connection (razem z Janem parlamentarne, ani pół wieku krwawej wojskowej dyktatury. Buddyzm wciąż stanowi Adamcem i Massimilianem Trentinem, najważniejszą wartość i punkt odniesienia dla większości Birmańczyków. 2014). We wrześniu 2007 r. i w listopadzie Jaka jest Birma dzisiaj? Czy po wielu latach autorytarnych rządów generałów wejdzie 2013 r. podróżował po Birmie. na drogę ku demokracji? Czy wydarzenia z ostatnich lat są autentycznym krokiem w stronę reformy systemu? Nie na wszystkie pytania znajdzie się jednoznaczną odpowiedź, ale warto pochylić się nad tym najmniej znanym krajem Azji Południowo-Wschodniej.
  • U.S.-Japan Approaches to Democracy Promotion

    U.S.-Japan Approaches to Democracy Promotion

    U.S. JAPAN APPROACHES TO DEMOCRACY PROMOTION U.S. JAPAN Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA 1819 L St NW #300 Washington, DC 20036 [email protected] U.S.-JAPAN APPROACHES TO DEMOCRACY SASAKAWA USA SASAKAWA PROMOTION Edited by Michael R. Auslin and Daniel E. Bob ISBN 9780996656764 51000 > 9 780996 656764 U.S.-JAPAN APPROACHES TO DEMOCRACY PROMOTION Edited by Michael R. Auslin Daniel E. Bob Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA is an independent, American non-profit and non- partisan institution devoted to research, analysis and better understanding of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Sasakawa USA accomplishes its mission through programs that benefit both nations and the broader Asia Pacific region. Our research programs focus on security, diplomacy, economics, trade and technology, and our education programs facilitate people-to-people exchange and discussion among American and Japanese policymakers, influential citizens and the broader public in both countries. ISBN: 978-0-9966567-6-4 Printed in the United States of America. © 2017 by Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA LCCN Number applied for Sasakawa USA does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views expressed herein are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sasakawa USA, its staff or its board. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by and means without permission in writing from Sasakawa USA. Please direct inquiries to: Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA Research Department 1819 L Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20036 P: +1 202-296-6694 This publication can be downloaded at no cost at http://spfusa.org/ Cover photo: © EPA/Barbara Walton Contents Preface .............................................................................................................................v Dennis Blair and Yasushi Akashi INTRODUCTION U.S.-Japan Approaches to Democracy Promotion ............................................
  • B U R M a B U L L E T

    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.
  • Profile on Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the South-East Asia Region WHO Library Cataloguing-In-Publication Data

    Profile on Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the South-East Asia Region WHO Library Cataloguing-In-Publication Data

    Profile on Implementation of WHO Framework This Profile on the Implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the South-East Asia Region Convention on Tobacco Control provides an overview of the status of the implementation of the convention in the eleven Member States of the SEA Region. in the South-East Asia Region It highlights some major milestones achieved as well as the challenges faced while implementing tobacco control measures in Member countries. Article 4: Every person will be informed of the health consequences, addictive nature and mortal threat posed by tobacco consumption and Article 11: Each Party shall adopt exposure to tobacco smoke …….. and implement effective measures to ensure that tobacco product Article 8: Parties recognize that packaging ad leveling do not promote exposure to tobacco smoke causes Article 14: Each Party shall develop a tobacco product, and each unit death disease and disability and disseminate appropriate, packet and package carry health ………. each party shall comprehensive, and integrated warnings describing harmful effects of implement measures to protect public guidelines and shall take effective tobacco use……………….. from the exposure to tobacco smoke in measures to promote cessation of indoor workplaces, publicArticle 13: Parties tobaccorecognize use that and a adequate treatment comprehensive ban onfor advertizing, tobacco dependence. promotion and sponsorshipArticle 16:wouldEach Party shall adopt reduce the consumptionand ofimplement tobacco effective measures to products……………...prohibit the sales of tobacco products to persons under the age set by domestic law, national law or eighteen. These measures may incude ISBN 978 92 9022 398 6 World Health House Indraprastha Estate, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110002, India Website: www.searo.who.int 9789290 223986 Profile on Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the South-East Asia Region WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication data World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia.
  • In Burma, Transition Neglects Press Freedom a Special Report by the Committee to Protect Journalists

    In Burma, Transition Neglects Press Freedom a Special Report by the Committee to Protect Journalists

    In Burma, transition neglects press freedom A special report by the Committee to Protect Journalists Committee to Protect Journalists In Burma, transition neglects press freedom Thein Sein’s new civilian government has promised reform, but authorities continue to censor and imprison journalists. Those who report for critical, exile-run media remain at great risk. A CPJ special report by Shawn W. Crispin Burma is at a crossroads between a tradition of military control and prospects for a democratic future. (AP/Khin Maung Win) Published September 20, 2011 Away from the probing surveillance of Special Branch intelligence agents, a Burmese editor ticks off the recent stories the Press Scrutiny and Registration Department, Burma’s powerful state censorship body, would not allow him to publish. The banned topics were wide-ranging: volatility in fuel prices; recent land purchases by Chinese investors around the city of Mandalay; a shortage of fresh water near a southern coast development. After his paper published a seemingly innocuous story about the falling price of SIM cards—without the censors’ approval—authorities reacted swiftly in suspending the publication for two weeks. “We are pushing the limits as much as we can,” said the editor during a recent trip to Bangkok. As a small sign of success, he pointed to the publication of a recent series on the struggles of farmers facing high debts. But the censorship process remains arbitrary, intensive, and highly restrictive. “It’s like fighting with a spear while on horseback to get news published. … We must prepare many extra stories each week to fill the spaces for stories that will inevitably be cut,” said the editor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of government reprisal.
  • Chapter 8, Control and Resistance, Attacks on Burmese Opposition Media

    Chapter 8, Control and Resistance, Attacks on Burmese Opposition Media

    8 Control and Resistance Attacks on Burmese Opposition Media Nart Villeneuve and Masashi Crete-Nishihata Burma is consistently identifi ed by human rights organizations as one of the world ’ s most repressive regimes. Human rights violations occur with regularity, especially in connection with the country ’ s long-standing armed confl ict. The ruling military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), is best known for its political pris- oners and its systematic denial of universal human rights such as freedom of expres- sion. 1 The government ’ s efforts to silence dissent pervade cyberspace and its system of Internet control is one of the most restrictive in Asia. Despite the heavy hand that the regime wields over cyberspace, information com- munication technologies (ICTs) have provided Burmese opposition groups with the means to broadcast their message to the world and challenge the government. The ongoing battle between these two sides makes Burma a stark example of contested Asian cyberspace. The role of ICTs in this struggle can be framed by contrasting theo- ries that view them either as “ liberation technologies ” that can empower grassroots political movements 2 or as tools that authoritarian governments can use to suppress these very same mobilizations. 3 This contestation is dramatically illustrated by the series of protests that erupted across the country in 2007 — in a movement popularly known as the “ Saffron Revolu- tion. ” During these protests, Burmese activists managed to bring the uprising to the world ’ s attention by making images and videos of the demonstrations and subsequent government crackdown available on the Internet. Realizing the potential political impact of these images, the government severed Internet connectivity in the country for nearly two weeks.
  • The Resistance of the Monks RIGHTS Buddhism and Activism in Burma WATCH

    The Resistance of the Monks RIGHTS Buddhism and Activism in Burma WATCH

    Burma HUMAN The Resistance of the Monks RIGHTS Buddhism and Activism in Burma WATCH The Resistance of the Monks Buddhism and Activism in Burma Copyright © 2009 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 1-56432-544-X Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor New York, NY 10118-3299 USA Tel: +1 212 290 4700, Fax: +1 212 736 1300 [email protected] Poststraße 4-5 10178 Berlin, Germany Tel: +49 30 2593 06-10, Fax: +49 30 2593 0629 [email protected] Avenue des Gaulois, 7 1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: + 32 (2) 732 2009, Fax: + 32 (2) 732 0471 [email protected] 64-66 Rue de Lausanne 1202 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 738 0481, Fax: +41 22 738 1791 [email protected] 2-12 Pentonville Road, 2nd Floor London N1 9HF, UK Tel: +44 20 7713 1995, Fax: +44 20 7713 1800 [email protected] 27 Rue de Lisbonne 75008 Paris, France Tel: +33 (1)43 59 55 35, Fax: +33 (1) 43 59 55 22 [email protected] 1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500 Washington, DC 20009 USA Tel: +1 202 612 4321, Fax: +1 202 612 4333 [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.hrw.org September 2009 1-56432-544-X The Resistance of the Monks Buddhism and Activism in Burma I. Summary and Key Recommendations....................................................................................... 1 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 26 II. Burma: A Long Tradition of Buddhist Activism ....................................................................... 27 Buddhism in Independent Burma During the Parliamentary Period ...................................... 33 Buddhism and the State After the 1962 Military Takeover ...................................................
  • European Parliament

    European Parliament

    EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2004 2009 Session document 4.9.2007 B6-0337/2007 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure by Vittorio Agnoletto on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group on human rights in Burma-Myanmar RE\P6_B(2007)0337_EN.doc PE 394.758v0 EN EN B6-0337/2007 European Parliament resolution on human rights in Burma-Myanmar The European Parliament, – having regard to its previous resolutions on Burma, – having regard to the statement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, of 25 May 2007, calling for 'restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures' to be lifted, – having regard to the letter to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, signed by 92 Burmese MPs-Elect, of 1 August 2007, which includes a proposal for National Reconciliation and democratization in Burma; – having regard to the letter of 15 May 2007 to General Than Shwe, signed by 59 former heads of State, calling for 'the immediate release of the world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi', – having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, A. whereas the NDL leader, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Sakharov Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has spent 11 of the last 17 years under house arrest; whereas on 25 May 2007 the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) extended the illegal detention of Aung San Suu Kyi for another year, B.
  • The Impact of Censorship on the Development of the Private Press Industry in Myanmar/Burma

    The Impact of Censorship on the Development of the Private Press Industry in Myanmar/Burma

    Reuters Institute Fellowship Paper University of Oxford The Impact of Censorship on the Development of the Private Press Industry in Myanmar/Burma by Kyaw Thu Michaelmas 2011 & Hilary 2012 Sponsor: Thomson Reuters Foundation 1 Acknowledgements This study would not have been possible without the support of several people who have generously assisted me throughout my study. First and foremost, I would like to thank the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ) and the Thomson Reuters Foundation for giving me the valuable opportunity to study at the University of Oxford. I would like to thank James Painter and Dr. Peter Bajomi-Lazar for their good guidance and encouragement. I also thank RISJ director David Levy and staff at the RISJ - Sara Kalim, Alex Reid, Rebecca Edwards and Kate Hanneford-Smith - for their support during my fellowship period. In addition, I would to thank Professor Robert H. Taylor and Dr. Peter Pritchard for their useful advice. Last but not least, I would like to thank my fellow journalists from Myanmar for participating in my survey and the publishers who gave me interviews for this research paper. Information on the use of country name The use of the country name of Myanmar has been controversial among the international community since the military government changed the names of the country and cities in 1988. From that point on, Burma officially became Myanmar and Rangoon became Yangon. In this paper, I will use Burma when I refer to the period before the junta changed the name and use Myanmar for the later period.