Junta Coerces Detained Women to Confess to Sexual Relations With Leaders of the Saffron Revolution

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

DVB reported that two of the women detained were put under duress by the Home Affairs Ministry to confess to having improper relationships with the monks who led the Saffron Revolution and the Patta-nikkujanna against the junta. They were promised monetary incentives to become prosecutor witnesses to testify against the monks.

DVB interviewed Ma Ohnmar, a member of the opposition party National League for Democracy, to confirm this information and also about her experience as a detainee; she was arrested on the 25th of September and was only released a few days ago.

DVB: Can you tell us how they first arrested you?
MO: They came to my house at about 2 am on the 25th ofSeptember. An officer from Home Affairs identified himself saying they needed to search my house. They even confiscated the currency notes with General Aung San's photos. They took me at 330 in the morning. After about 4 days in a concentration camp, they transferred me to Insein Jail and I was released on the 25th of October.

DVB: What did they interrogate you about? How did they do it?
MO: They would wake us up in the middle of the night. As I'm a volunteer with the HIV patients, they asked me about the funds, how we use it, if I got any of the money for personal use. They also asked me if I knew any of the 88-Generation student leaders. As I was also involved in the march past Daw Aung San Su Kyi's house on the 22nd of October, they asked me who planned this route, if it was by the NLD leaders. What is interesting is that as the prison got more crowded, we had to share two to a room. Next to my cell were two women who were in the news for admitting having improper relations with monks in the monasteries.

MO: These women were forced to confess to such allegations. One is called Ma Ei. She was in the news for allegedly having sexual relations with U Pyi Kyaw. The other one, Hnin Hnin, from Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery.. she was videotaped making her confession, with one person teaching her what to say to the camera. She is still in prison now. They want to use her as a prosecutor witness.

DVB: So these accusations are actually made up by the authorities?
MO: Yes, it looks like they want to fabricate proof that these monks involved in the revolution are fake monks. Ma Ei was released earlier because she made the confession under duress.

DVB: Did Ma Ei herself tell you that she had no such relationships with the monks? That she was forced to make such confessions?
MO: Yes, she did.

DVB: During interrogations, did they use any torture methods?
MO: They did not physically assault me, but they witheld food and water. I was in ill health, but they denied me any treatment saying there're no medication or doctors to attend to me. Finally, late at night, they gave me some water, but the water was very dirty. There were hair, leaves, and even dead ants in it.

DVB: Did you meet anyone in the concentration camps or prison?
MO: Yes, there're currently 7 women left in prison that I know of. One is Daw Lei Lei from NLD. She's 60 years old, and has very high blood pressure and heart problems. There is also May Mee Oo, who is 4 months pregnant. She has been detained for a month. For the sake of her unborn baby, she is trying to get a nutritious diet, but it is really difficult in prison. It is crucial that these two women are released soon.

DVB: Is there anyone who was released together with you?
MO: Yes, there were 10 of us. One is an old lady, Aunty Daw Khin Pyone Yi. She was from Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery. She was there when the monastery was raided, and the Buddhist flag fell as the pole broke. So she held it up to prevent it from touching the ground. Immediately, she was surrounded by riot police and Swan Arr Shin (pro-junta thugs) who tied her hands behind her back, and beat her up nonstop as they dragged her away. By the time she got to the concentration camp, her blood pressure has shot up and she has lost consciousness. So she was admitted to Rangoon General Hospital and stayed there for 5 days. We saw her back; it was full of criss-crossed black bruises. Her back has not even healed on the day she was released.

MO: Another lady, Ma Hla Hla Nyunt, is actually from USDA. And her husband is from Swan Arr Shin group. This couple was asked by the authorities to get information by mingling with the protesters. They were promised 3000 kyats a day, and the officials also promised to help them clear all their debts. But the woman was mistakenly arrested. Even after the woman informed them that she was from USDA, she was not released. The authorities acted as if they did not send such spies. So she was only finally released together with me after submitting an appeal letter to the authorities.

DVB: In the prison, did you hear anything about the muslims who were detained, and tortured?
MO: Yes, I heard that they were severely tortured just because they are foreigners. They would also swear vulgarities at them. They said these muslims should mind their own business instead of getting involved in the protests. One of the youths was made to kneel down on rocks. After an hour, when he told them he couldn't bear with it any longer, they slapped him til his cheeks were swollen, and they forced him to ride on a motorbike for 2 hours.

DVB: So this youth was released?
MO: Yes, I was in the same bus with him after our release, and he told me about it.

DVB: Who are the people who interrogate you? Prison officials?
MO: No, it is the ones in-charge of the concentration camps. They say they're from SB. Home Affairs.

DVB: Is there something you want to highlight about your experience, after spending a month in concentration camp and in prison?
MO: (To secure my release)I had to sign a letter saying that I understand that I can be subjected to questioning at any time in the future. But what really bothers me is that in that document, there was a statement that said that I understood that I have been released only due to the compassion of the nation (sic). This is something I absolutely cannot accept. If they were so compassionate, why did they detain us in the first place?

DVB: How do you think is the feeling among the women who have been detained, and released together with you?
MO: It varies. Some have been tortured so badly that they're very much frightened now. But others, like the woman from USDA, now see things more in black and white, about how unfair and oppressive the junta is. They (junta) spread rumours that NLD is instigating unrest while they've got their own people on the inside. And when their people are mistakenly arrested, they pretend that these people do not exist. So this lady has finally seen the junta for who they are, and she has promised us never to repeat her actions again.

DVB: What plans do you have for the future?
MO: I will continue being an activist. Our country needs us. Our leaders, the 88-Generation leaders are now all in prison. If we stop now, the people will have no way out. In the concentration camp, they questioned us about our plans, and I told them that I would continue.

To listen to the interview in Burmese, please follow these links:
Part 1: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2608
Part 2: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2609

FT In Depth: Burma's Junta Exports Lose Sparkle

Source: Financial Times

For centuries, Burma’s gem mines have supplied some of the world’s best rubies, jade and other gemstones coveted by couture jewellers and their wealthy customers. In recent years, these stones have also been a key source of foreign exchange for a cash-starved junta, which last year earned about $300m (€209m, £146m) from state gem auctions.

But after watching television images of Burmese soldiers attacking civilians and monks, executives at Cartier, the French luxury brand, decided it was time to take a stand. Within days, they were telling their cut-stone suppliers that they would not buy any more gems mined in Burma and would conduct random checks to ensure that the stones they did buy were not coming from there.

“While it was clear before that Burma was not a democratic regime, what we were witnessing was organised state violence. This was, in a way, an emotional response for us,” says Pamela Caillens, Cartier’s corporate responsibility director.

For the full report, please click here. You will need to register with the site for full access. Registration is free.

FT In Depth: Burma Regime’s Cronies Feel Sanctions

Source: Financial Times

In early September, Tay Za, a charismatic Burmese businessman accused of having close links to the military junta, was in Singapore to launch a daily service between the city state and Rangoon for his airline, Air Bagan. The three-year-old carrier, which does most of its business within Burma, had launched daily Bangkok flights and hoped to make an ambitious regional expansion.

The right to operate an airline was just the latest in a series of lucrative concessions secured by Burma’s most powerful businessman, whose extensive interests range from hotels to logging and mobile phones.

But Air Bagan on Thursday announced it had been forced to suspend its Singapore flights starting on November 4, a move that came after Tay Za, his wife, his son, and his companies were blacklisted by the US as key supporters of the military regime.

The move was evidence that the international response to the military’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters last month is beginning to pinch the Burmese businessmen who until now have profited from their association with the generals who control the economy.

“They must be starting to feel a little bit encircled,” said Sean Turnell, an Australian economist who edits the journal Burma Economic Watch. “These things hurt them because they want to be seen as legitimate.”

For the full report, please click here. You will need to register with the site to have full access. Registration is free.

Panty Power Campaign: The Phillipines Movement

Source: Mizzima News

Women workers in Philippines on Friday "attacked" the Burmese embassy in Makati by hurling panties in a demonstration against the junta's brutal crackdown on Burmese protesters in September.

The protest organized by Free Burma Coalition-Philippines and Alliance of Progressive Labor, had over 60 women activists on Friday pelting panties at the Burmese embassy condemning it for its brutality against its own people.

For the full story, please click here.

Australia Releases Blacklist

Australia updated its blacklist 24th October. The list, entitled, Burma Annex:
Burmese regime figures and supporters, can be found on the Reserve Bank of Australia website.

Please click here to access the list.

Singapore, Japan seek stability in Myanmar

Source: Agence France Presse via ABC-CBN News

Singapore's foreign minister said Saturday the city-state and Japan were seeking a change in policy but not of regime in military-run Myanmar, according to a report.

Foreign Minister George Yeo was visiting Tokyo, a key donor to Myanmar, in the wake of the junta's crackdown on anti-government protests that left at least 13 people dead.

"We had a meeting of minds on all the main issues, that what we seek is not a regime change but a change of policy," Yeo told Kyodo News after talks with his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Komura.

"As neighboring countries, we'll be affected if Myanmar dissolves into chaos, so we have a very strong interest in seeing stability and progress leading to democracy and development," he was quoted as saying.

For the full report, please click here.

S Africa Welcomes Regime's Talks with Suu Kyi

Source: Hindu News

South Africa has welcomed the recent talks between Myanmar's military regime and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, hoping that it would bring about a solution to the "challenges" faced by the country.

For the full story, please click here.

Announcement: Let's Protest Against Burmese Junta - 27th October 2007

27th October marks one month of the violent crackdown on protesters. Supporters of the Saffron Revolution all over the world are urged to unite and protest against the brutal actions of the military junta, and push them towards democratic reforms.

Time: Any time
Location: Burmese and Chinese Embassies Worldwide

Not convinced? Click here to see the latest photos of injured protesters sent from Rangoon's General Hospital.

Note: Link contains disturbing images.

Tay Za’s Son Ridicules US Sanctions

Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine

According to an email obtained by The Irrawaddy on Friday, the son of one of the Burmese junta’s biggest cronies, Tay Za, has ridiculed the actions of Western democracies, particularly the US sanctions targeting Burmese military officials’ bank accounts and assets. The email, however, has not been independently confirmed as authentic.

For the full report, please click here.

Read the full email and see more photos of Htet Tayza at Nik Nayman's blog.

Ethnic Leaders Dismiss Talk of Burma's Collapse Should Junta Fall

Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine

Influential Burmese leaders contacted by The Irrawaddy have dismissed a possible “nightmare scenario" raised by some Burma experts who say that—should the junta fall—the country might collapse because of a lack of civilian leaders with experience in government.

Some Western experts and one Burmese historian suggested the fall of the military junta could bring about ethnic insurgencies, gutted institutions, clashes among leaders with no experience in democracy and continuing aftershocks from the junta’s ruinous economic policies in one of the world’s poorest nations, The Associated Press reported this week.

All of the ethnic leaders, veteran politicians and scholars contacted by The Irrawaddy disagreed.

For the full report, please click here.

Gloomy Start to Festival of Lights

Source: Irrawaddy News Magazine

Rangoon residents said the eastern gate of Burma's landmark Shwedagon Pagoda and Sule pagodas—the city's top religious shrines and the focus of the recent protests—and some leading monasteries were tightly guarded by police and pro-government groups

For the full report, please click here.

Yellow Colour Worshipers at Shwedagon

Source: Mizzima News

A month after the monk-led protests' in September, several people in yellow clothes gathered today in the Shwedagon pagoda in Rangoon, eyewitnesses said.

Local residents, who visited the shrine, said several people came in the evening to Shwedagon, which was the central location during last month's protests, with yellow coloured candles to pray for peace.

For the full report, please click here.

Military Trucks Back on the Streets of Rangoon

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Residents say that military trucks have reappeared in key spots in Rangoon after being withdrawn from the streets of Rangoon about a week ago. They are seen stationed near ShweDagon and Sule Pagodas, City Hall, and major junctions downtown.

It appears that the authorities are pre-empting the crowds that are expected to turn up at pagodas for worship to mark the end of Buddhist lent.

DVB has unconfirmed news that monks from All Burma Monks' Alliance are planning to stage demonstrations on the 1st month anniversary of the crackdown on the Saffron Revolution.

For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link:http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2598

Government Troops Clash with Ethnic Rebels

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Fights between the Burmese government army and ethnic rebels have been on the increase in Karen and Karenni states as the government tries to clear land for a road-building project.

For the full story, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=619

CNN Video: Life in Fear

Source: CNN

CNN last week broadcast a video in which Burmese people risk their lives to speak out about the military junta. One of those interviewed is 90-year-old Ludu Daw A Mar, a well-known and respected author.

To watch this video, please click here.

Junta Frees NLD Supporters

Source: CNN

Junta freed about 50 of the National League for Democracy members on Thursday.

Thousands of people worshiped at ShweDagon today to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent.

For the full report, please click here.

Flaming Peacocks: Double Taxation, The Bane of Overseas Burmese Workers

Double taxation has been a bane for all Burmese citizens working abroad. While the Burmese government has agreements with host countries not to impose double taxation on its people, it is an unwritten regulation that the Burmese continue to pay tax to both the host country and Burma. At least one person in each household is required to pay tax (10% of their income) to the embassy in order to hold travel documents, and renew them; all Burmese passports need to be renewed every three years.

Anyone who needs to renew their passport is required to pay tax or produce proof that he or she is a dependent of a tax payer. Similarly, anyone returning home will have to produce a tax receipt upon arrival in Rangoon, or risk getting the travel documents confiscated.

In order to bypass the agreement with other countries, the Burmese embassy instructs its tax payers to submit a signed proposal to allow him or her to pay tax to the mother land, out of moral obligations. This compulsory double taxation has driven the majority of the Burmese citizens to under-declare their income to the embassies as they struggle to start afresh in foreign countries. Many immigrant families live on single income, and have borrowed heavily in order to secure a passport which they see as a ticket out of hell. Others, more comfortable, detest the idea of giving their hard-earned money to junta.

In January this year, Burmese living in Singapore launched an unsuccessful campaign to protest against double taxation (http://www.burmanet.org/news/2007/01/22/irrawaddy-burmese-workers-protests-double-taxation-in-singapore-shah-paung/).

Raised Taxes for Burmese PR in Singapore (Unconfirmed)

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

A Burmese citizen residing in Singapore posted on Myo Chit Myanmar that the Burmese embassy now requires all citizens holding permanent residency in Singapore to pay at least 200 Singapore dollars in tax a month. Anyone who disputes this would be required to produce the pay slip and the Central Provident Fund statement. (Note: CPF is a government fund which citizens and permanent residents are required to contribute to so as to prepare for their retirement. Each month, a salaried employee is required to contribute 20% of his or her income to CPF).

Flaming Peacocks are currently unable to independently verify this information.

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 25th October 2007

Source: Nik Nayman

1952 hr:

The destruction at Nwge Kyar Yan monastery in Yangon: http://www.irrawaddy.org/protests/video/ngwekyaryan.php

1915 hr:

There will be prayer services on Friday, 26^th at ShweDagon Pagoda and Sule Pagodas in memory of those who lost their lives in the bloody crackdown last month. The public is urged to participate by visiting pagodas for worship.

Event: Lights Festival in Singapore's Burmese Buddhist Temple

There will be an event marking the 1 month anniversary of the Saffron Revolution at the Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore on the 26th of October, Friday.

Details as follow:

Time: 1700 hrs
Event: Alms offering to monks and nuns

Time: 1900 hrs
Event: Lights festival

This also coincides with the Full Moon Day of Tha Din Kyut (the end of the Buddhist lent) when devotees traditionally offer alms to sangha , and young people pay respect to their elders. This year, the celebrations in Burma will be very much muted as the country and its sangha are still reeling from the crackdown just one month ago.

Reshuffles in Junta Top Posts

Source: Mizzima News

As expected, the military junta appointed Lt. Gen Thein Sein as prime minister on Wednesday, state-run media reported.

The former Secretary 1 of the State Peace and Development Council, Thein Sein, had been serving as acting prime minister since May, for the now deceased and previously ailing Gen. Soe Win.

For the full story, please click here.

MAI to Resume Operations in November

Source: Mizzima News

An official from Myanmar Airways International told Mizzima that the airline is expected to resume operations in November. MAI has earlier been forced to stop operating when its insurance companies refused to continue the partnership.

For the full story, please click here.

Forced Rallies Continue

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Mya Wadi, Karen State: Authorities issued an order for each household to send one representative to the pro-government rallies held this morning at the town's sports stadium. Any household defying this order will have to pay a fine consisting a bag of cement mix, and 8000 kyats (~ USD 6.00).

A participant said:
"In one neighbourhood, they herded the people up the truck like they were animals. The roads have been closed since 6am. Everyone's unhappy".

A resident told DVB that officials and USDA members shouted vulgarities at households who were unable to send representatives. In some instances, people were forcibly asked to go to the town council offices immediately.

The resident also said that it was pointless to force the public to attend such rallies against their will and that people earning daily wages are especially affected.

For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2584

Peace for Burma Activists Held Demonstations In Front Of PTT Offices

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Peace for Burma activists held demonstrations in front of Thai gas giant PTT offices on Thursday. Activists also submitted a written request to PTT to withdraw from Burma for the time being, and to only resume its operations in Burma after democratic reforms.

Demonstrators held banners with slogans such as "No more investment in Burma". A spokesman from Peace for Burma, Ko Macy, told DVB that current investments in Burma not only benefit the junta, but also make things much worse for the country and its people.
"We would like to request investors to look at the situation in Burma, to consider the well-being of the people, and stop their investments until the democratic reforms are in place."

Peace for Burma activists also demonstrated yesterday in front of the Chinese embassy in bangkok to protest against 12 years of house arrest for pro-democratic leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2584

Tax Raised on Loudspeakers - By 100 times

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Aung Lan: taxes on loudspeakers, commonly used in the locality for community functions and announcements, have been raised from 150 kyat to 15,000 kyats.

For the full story, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=610

China Promises to Support UN in Burma

Source: Agence France Presse via The Bangkok post

China on Wednesday praised the "remarkable" work by United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to improve the situation in Burma and promised support for his mediation efforts.

"China will continue to give all-out support to your work," the official Xinhua news agency quoted Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei as saying before he began formal talks with Gambari.

For the full story, please click here.

U.N.'s Pinheiro Vows To Go Where He Wants in Myanmar

Source: Reuters

The United Nations expert on human rights in Myanmar vowed on Wednesday he would not be constrained by the military junta when he visits the country next month to report on the recent crisis.

For the full story, please click here.

Air Bagan Ceases Operations

Source: Nik Nayman, Myo Chit Myanmar, Democratic Voice of Burma

Air Bagan issued a letter to travel agencies telling them that they will cease operating from 4th November until further notice.

To read this letter, please click here.

For a complete report, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=612

Burmese Junta's minister meets with Daw AungSanSuKyi

It is confirmed that 3 government vehicles picked up Daw AungSanSuKyi from her residence around 2pm Burma time on 25,Oct. The government's newly appointed Minister for Diplomancy,Gen Aung Kyi met with DASSK at a government buililding according to the foreign diplomat society and other sources.
These steps of the Junta are welcomed by some hoping that it would develop into dialogue for real change. Others doubt that the junta is just trying to show fake steps to reduce the international attention and to trick UN and EU into not taking serious actions.
Mr Gambari is right now at Japan to talk with the Japanese officials about Burma case. During the past days, he also talked with the officials of China and Russia. As always, offcials of both countries said that they support Gambari's actions for Burma.
source->http://english.dvb.no/

Gambari set to return to Burma Earlier

Source: Mizzima News

United Nations Special Envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, is set to revisit Burma earlier than originally expected, following an agreement from the junta to expedite his travel plans.

For the full story, please follow this link: http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2007/Oct/89-Oct-2007.html

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 24th October 2007

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

0745 hr:

Zarganar led a group of artists in making alms offerings to 80 monks and 30 nuns from Barkarar Monastery. This monastery has been reported to be still carrying out the Patta-nikkujjana against the junta and its lackeys. It is reported that artists and journalists will continue with such offerings to all monasteries under the vow of Patta-nikkujjana.

Interview with Comedian Zarganar

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

DVB had a chance to speak with comedian Zarganar who had been detained since last month for making alm offerings to protesting monks. Zarganar is well-known for his spot-on sarcasm about the junta, and in the past twenty years, he has been detained more frequently than not.

In the interview, Zarganar told DVB that monks in custody have been forced to defrock. However, the three monks he met continue to meditate and observe the rules of Sangha. He said the monks told him that the conditions in concentration camps were terrible; the monks in custody were made to squat, urinate, and pass motion in the same confined space. They were also not given any food.

One of the monks he met in prison, U Tilawbartha, a 76-year-old sayadaw (senior monk) was kicked in the ribs during the arrests. He was also told by a friend that another monk was shot in the spine and had to be admitted to the prison hospital. He said that such treatment of the monks saddened him so much that he would rather not be reborn as a Buddhist ever again.

He also told DVB that prison facilities and healthcare were grossly inadequate. Due to the unscrupulous crackdown, the prison was overcrowded and there was a severe lack of hygiene. Prisoners have to sleep, eat, and pass motion in the same small space; no soap was provided. As winter sets in, prisoners are expected to face worse conditions as they have not been given any warm clothing or blankets. Families are also denied the chance to see the prisoners or pass them medication that they require.

One of the members of the opposition party, National League for Democracy (NLD), U Hla Pe, an 81 year old who has previously broken his leg, can only walk with the aid of a walking stick, and hence is having a hard time under such harsh conditions. Other elderly NLD members are also said to be suffering from gastritis and high blood pressure, with one who he felt has already had a mild stroke.

Zarganar said that the prison could not provide appropriate medication for these people. He said that the officials were also restricted by the fact that these prisoners are not directly in their custody, and they were required to seek permission from officers controlling the concentration camps before giving any aid or medical treatment to the prisoners.

To listen to the interview in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2552

The Swiss Join South African Businesses in Boycotting Burmese Products

Source: Irrawaddy News

Following reports that a South African company was banning burmese clothing imports, Swiss businesses are rejecting seafood imported from Burma. This has benefited the country's population as the rejected seafood finds its way to the local market at reduced prices.

For the full report, please click here.

Campaign: Panties for Peace

In the absence of what they see as effective action by UN and neighbouring countries, people around the world have been thinking up various means to continue condemning the actions of the junta, to show their dissent.

In the latest campaign, Lanna Action for Burma has called for women to send their used underwear to Burmese embassies. This, the group and its supporters, believe is a good tactical move against the superstitious generals.


Related articles:
1. Associated Press: Women Send Panties to Myanmar in Protest
2. Niknayman's Blog: Panty Power

India Silent on Burma's Crackdown

Source: Associated Press

India has come under the spotlight as UN special envoy Mr Gambari visits the nation to urge the country to take a firmer stand against the actions of the junta.

For the full report, please click here.

Human rights expert to visit Burma: UN

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Burma has agreed to a visit by the United Nations expert on human rights there, who has not been allowed into the country for four years, UN spokeswoman Michele Montas says.

In a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday, Foreign Minister Nyan Win suggested that the visit by special rapporteur Paulo Sergio Pinheiro take place before a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations scheduled to open on November 17, Montas told a news briefing.

Pinheiro, a Geneva-based Brazilian law professor who reports to the UN Human Rights Council, visited Burma six times after being asked to check on its human rights performance in 2000.

But he has not been allowed back since November 2003, despite repeated requests.

For the original article, please click here.

Daw Aung San Su Kyi Moved From Her House

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Daw Aung San Su Kyi was reportedly moved from her house yesterday evening by officials. It is not known where she has been taken to.

For the full report, please follow this link: http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=599

Monks Might Resume Protests in Late October

Source: Irrawady via BurmaNet.org

A leading monk—one of four being hunted down by the junta—told The Irrawaddy from his hiding place that monk-led demonstrations may resume in Burma in late October, in spite of the fact that at least 100 monks killed during pro-democracy demonstrations and about 1,200 monks arrested.

The monk, U Obasa, added that many monks are still missing and their whereabouts are unknown.

About 50 nuns were also arrested during the junta’s crackdown on the Sangha in Rangoon, which started on September 26. He said he believes reports that some nuns were raped and sexually harassed by soldiers at detention centers.

For the full report, please click here.

Promotions and Commendations for Personnel Involved in Crackdown

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

DVB reported Sunday that military and police personnel in Sitwe, Arakan State, who were actively involved in the brutal crackdown last month received promotions and commendation letters.

A member of USDA also told DVB that there were similar plans for the personnel in Rangoon. The source requested to remain anonymous.

Earlier, DVB have reported that members of USDA involved in the crackdown were being handed out land parcels and seed money to start businesses.

For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2533

Current Situation in Rangoon and Mandalay

Source: Radio Free Asia

21st October 2007

RFA reported Sunday that while the curfew has been lifted in Rangoon and Mandalay, the situation remains tense in both cities with the presence of army troops in the pagodas and other major locations.

Many people were reported to have been arrested for breaking the curfew since last month when it was first issued. Among them were people who had to travel to their homes in the suburbs after work. Several others who needed emergency medical treatment in the night were also required to obtain permission from town councils.

In Rangoon, the armed forces are still keeping their foothold at KyaikaSan Race Course, and security forces remain at ShweDagon and other pagodas. At KyaikaSan Pagoda, flower sellers are seeing little business due to the presence of troops. A resident living nearby also told RFA that the troops have been killing fish and turtles, kept as pets within the pagoda premises, for food.

In Mandalay, 24-hour eateries and downtown restaurants are said to be back in business. Also, security forces stationed at pagodas and major teaching monasteries also have been withdrawn.

However, residents of both cities told RFA that the monasteries are still largely deserted.

For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://www.rfa.org/burmese/news/2007/10/21/situation_in_rangoon_mandalay/

Female Detainees Sexually Harrassed

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

21st October 2007

More than 100 women remain in custody since the crackdown on protesters started in the last week of September, said detainees who have been released. Among those arrested were women from the provinces who were staying as guests in the monasteries which were raided; they were in Rangoon to seek medical treatment.

Those released also told DVB that the authorities were using two methods of interrogating the women; they were either being severely beaten or sexually harrassed. DVB is expected to release detailed accounts from the women soon, along with the names of the those who were responsible for the abuse.

For the list of women who are still in custody, please follow this link: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2528

Related Reports:
On October 17, RFA released a news report about the way women in custody were treated by their jailers. Read the report here: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2007/10/17/burma_women/

South Africa's Clothing Company Bans Burmese Clothing Imports

Source: Business Report

Mr Price Group, one of South Africa's biggest clothing retailers, will no longer source garments from Myanmar, where the recent outcry over human rights violations by that country's military regime has led to calls for sanctions.

For the full report, please follow this link: http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4088420