Demonstrators Demand Suu Kyi's Release and Sanctions Imposed on Myanmar

Photo of protesters wearing masks of Aung San Suu Kyi

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

YANGON, Myanmar - A series of demonstrations took place in 12 cities around the world Wednesday, marking the 12th year of Myanmar's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest.

Ms. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been held by Myanmar's military junta for 12 of the past 18 years.

The protests took place outside Chinese embassies as campaigners say Beijing must do more regarding Myanmar and can convince the country of Ms. Suu Kyi's release.

About 100 people turned out for the London protest, many wearing white robes and masks of Ms. Suu Kyi's face while others had their hands bound with rope or chains that are said to be used to torture political prisoners in Myanmar.

The protests also coincide with the United Nations' 62nd birthday, and organizers said they were "using that to urge action from the U.N. Security Council."

The Council issued a statement earlier this month saying it "strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar and called on the junta to work towards a dialogue with Suu Kyi."  Kate Allen of Amnesty International UK said, however, that the U.N. must do more than issue statements of concern.

Australia has announced imposing financial sanctions on Myanmar's generals and their families. In response to last month's suppression of pro-democracy protests, Australia's foreign minister, Alexander Downer, said "these new measures are designed to put further pressure on the regime and its supporters while avoiding harm to the people of [Myanmar]."  The sanction would target 418 people, including cabinet ministers and top military figures like the junta's leader, Senior General Than Shwe.

Additionally, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has threatened tougher sanctions against the military junta "if the country does not end the violence, release prisoners, and allow a process of national reconciliation."

In response to the increased international pressure, the regime has agreed to visits by the U.N.'s special envoy Ibrahim Gambari and the U.N.'s human rights investigator, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro.

For more information, please see:

CNN - Protesters demand Suu Kyi release - 24 October 2007

BBC News - Rallies held for detained Suu Kyi - 24 October 2007

Voice of America - Amnesty Calls for Release of Political Detainees in Burma - 24 October 2007

IHT - Australia imposes sanctions on junta in Myanmar - 24 October 2007

Impunity Watch - Peace Talks and Outrage Surfacing in Myanmar - 11 October 2007