“UNTIL ALL OUR POLITICAL PRISONERS ARE FREE, NONE OF US CAN SAY THAT BURMA IS NOW TRULY ON THE ROAD TOWARDS DEMOCRATIC CHANGE” DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI

UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI- MOON MUST MAKE IT HIS PERSONAL PRIORITY TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IN BURMA, AS THE ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP TOWARDS DEMOCRACY

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN NOW SIGN THE PETITION Free Burma’s Political Prisoners Now! aims to collect 888,888 signatures before 24 May 2009, the legal date that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be released from house arrest. 888,888 The six eights symbolises , the day of the junta’s massacre of some 3,000 people who dared to protest for democracy. The voices of 888,888 global citizens will add vital weight and credibility to the ongoing advocacy work.

Despite international pressure, the regime’s campaign of arrest, harassment and harsh sentencing of pro-democracy activists continues The number of political prisoners in Burma has almost doubled – there are now over 2,100 compared to 1,150 before the Saffron Revolution in September 2007 The release of all of Burma’s political prisoners is now an internationally recognised benchmark for progress towards democracy in Burma WHY DO THIS CAMPAIGN

POLITICAL PRISONERS ARE NOT CRIMINALS. THEY HAVE SIMPLY STOOD UP FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY.

U GAMBIRA -Leader of the All Burma Monks Association -Arrested for his part in the Saffron Revolution -Sentenced to 68 years imprisonment KHUN HTUN OO -Shan Ethnic leader -Arrested for having discussion on founding Shan National Council -Sentenced to 93 years imprisonment ZARGANAR -Internationally known film maker and comedian -Arrested for helping victims of Cyclone Nargis -Sentenced to 59 years imprisonment, later reduced to 35 years

MIN KO NAING -88 Generation Students group leader -Arrested again for his role in August 2007 protest -Sentenced to 65 and 6 months imprisonment NILAR THEIN -88 Generation Students group leader -Arrested for her role in August 2007 protests -Sentenced to 65 years imprisonment -Her husband Kyaw Min Yu aka Jimmy received the same sentence

TORTURE IS STATE POLICY IN BURMA. THIS MUST END NOW.

TORTURE The same methods of torture have been used over the past seventeen years on political prisoners, varying only according to the torturers’ imaginations. The treatment of political prisoners is a reflection on the political situation in Burma. It is clear that torture is state policy for the SPDC. Torture is endemic in Burma’s interrogation centers and prisons, and serves the dual function of breaking down suspected political dissidents and creating a climate of fear. The people of Burma all fear acting in any manner that could be perceived as in opposition to the SPDC, as they know such actions can lead to arrest, torture and long-term imprisonment, all with impunity.

PRISON TRANSFERS Since the start of November 2008, the authorities have transferred over 200 political prisoners to prisons all around the country, away from their families Prison transfers are an additional cruel punishment for political prisoners and their families High-profile activists have been transferred to the most remote prisons In January 2009, families of political prisoners were banned from visiting their loved ones, even after they travelled hundreds of miles to see them

SITUATION IN PRISONS Prison transfers have a detrimental impact on political prisoners’ health - in some prisons there is no prison doctor or medical ward Political prisoners rely on their families for medical supplies. Due to the distances involved, it will be more difficult for families to provide their loved ones with the medicines they need The authorities systematically deny political prisoners the medical treatment they need

THE REGIME MUST STOP HARASSING AND ARRESTING PRO- DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS

HARASSMENT AND ARREST OF ACTIVISTS -The number of political prisoners has increased by 78% since the Saffron Revolution -The Burmese military regime is now nearing completion of its road map to permanent dictatorship via a sham constitution, referendum held in 2008, and election, scheduled in During this time, peaceful defiance has increased from people who simply demand democracy and fundamental rights, as well as an end to military dictatorship in Burma. As in the past, the regime uses its security forces and civilian thugs to prevent and crack down on protests, by aggressively attacking and arresting these activists.

WITHOUT THE RELEASE OF ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS, THERE CAN BE NO PEACE AND STABILITY.

The regime has called for elections in 2010 based on its 2008 ‘Constitution’. This constitution was forged in a non-transparent and non-inclusive manner as it was unilaterally written, excluding democratic forces in the drafting process. It does not offer protection or promotion of human rights to its people. The release of all political prisoners and an inclusive constitutional review process are the essential first steps towards national reconciliation. If this doesn’t happen, then military rule will effectively be entrenched. PEACE AND STABILITY

Our aim is to work with Burma support groups all over the world to reach out to a new population of people who have never heard of Burma or about the situation of political prisoners. Political prisoners in Burma come from all parts of society. We want to build an equivalent global support network: political activists, poets, religious leaders, singers, journalists, and everyday citizens. WHO WILL BE INVOLVED?

WHERE WILL IT HAPPEN? Over a hundred groups around the world Campaign activities have already taken place in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, the UK, Japan, Canada, Australia and the US Solidarity groups in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America are joining with groups around Burma’s borders

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN Sign the Petition on the BAI website NOW!! NOW!! Send it friends, family, colleagues - anyone! Get your organization to support