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Free our people’s leader or face dire consequences WLB renews call for immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 19 June, 2008

On 19 June 2008, Burma’s democratic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, will once again spend her birthday under house
arrest in Rangoon. She has been under detention and barred from communicating with the outside world since May
2003, when the military regime attempted to assassinate her.
The SPDC extended her illegal detention for another year last month, not daring to release her amidst the turmoil
following Cyclone Nargis. However, they are in effect sidelining the one person who represents the best possible
solution for a peaceful transition to democracy and reconciliation in the country.
The military junta is deliberately ignoring the fact that Aung San Suu Kyi’s determination and unwavering courage
to confront the regime serve as a source of inspiration for all the people in Burma as well as her supporters from all
over the world.
The regime’s barbaric suppression of freedom-loving people and forced adoption of its own constitution will not
result in genuine peace and prosperity, which is what the people of Burma truly desire.
The junta must start stepping in the right direction by releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners now.
This is their only way out.
We wish to thank those governments, including the United States of America, Canada, Australia and the European
Union, who have maintained sanctions against the SPDC at this critical time. These sanctions have targeted SPDC
leader Than Shwe and his clique, including his business cronies, the Union Solidarity and Development
Association and other entities of the regime. These sanctions must be maintained until genuine steps to democracy
are taken.
It is time for the brutal generals to make the right choice and release Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s democratic
leader, and start meaningful dialogue, or face being charged at an international court for crimes against humanity.
Such crimes include the killing of monks last September and the ongoing blocking of aid to cyclone victims, which
is causing further unnecessary suffering and death, particularly of women and children.
Some groups have already started exploring the possibilities of bringing the top leadership of the SPDC to
international justice. This includes the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, which can deal
with crimes against humanity:
If Than Shwe and his cronies continue to commit brutal crimes against Burma’s people, it is sure that they will one
day be brought to justice.
Today, on Aung San Suu Kyi’s 63rd birthday, we urge the people of Burma to call collectively for her freedom.
Let Aung San Suu Kyi be free.
Let the people of Burma be free.
Contacts:
Dwelling 66 89 4348976
Thin Thin Aung 66 89 8554119