AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S UNJUST TRIAL

Aung San Suu Kyi’s ongoing detention in Burma (Myanmar) took a turn for the worst in May when she allowed an American intruder into her residence. She is being charged with failing to report an illegal immigrant, which violates her house arrest. Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for thirteen of the past nineteen years.

Her unusually quick trial date (less than a month after the incident) draws suspicion as does the issue of the closed trial and only being allowed one defense witness (Suu Kyi’s lawyers asked for three witnesses). If acquitted she will be detained through next year’s elections, a victory for the ruling junta government.

Many Burmese are extremely angered by the injustice shown towards Suu Kyi, however, this anger is mostly expressed in secret. The watchful eye of the military regime stifles the Burmese attempts at free speech and objections to the military’s authority.

"I'm so upset about what has happened in my country," said Zin, a 28-year-old housewife who, like most Burmese, won't give her full name for fear of retaliation. "People are angry and people are sad, but we can't do anything for her. We have no power." (quote courtesy of the Associated Press) 

Although, many are upset about Suu Kyi's trial, earning their daily living is more of a priority than politics. The nation is still recovering from economic hardships due to Cyclone Nargis which hit Burma last May (2008).

The trial has captured international attention. Ministers from Europe and Asia questioned Burma about the trial during a conference in Cambodia. However, Deputy Foreign Minister Maung Myint rebuked his counterparts …saying the trial was an "internal legal" issue (quote courtesy of the Irrawaddy). With already placed western sanctions on Burma, many believe that it will be up to Burma’s Asian trading partners to pressure them for Suu Kyi’s release.

Even with international condemnation, economic embargoes, humanitarian aid cut offs and attempts at diplomacy, Burma still remains a major human rights violator and one of the world’s most oppressed countries.

GRI Work in Burma

GRI’s mission is to provide refuge for those displaced by persecution, disease, poverty, war and disaster worldwide. Our team has had access to the ethnic minority areas of Burma for the last 9-10 years.  GRI has been able to deliver desperately needed supplies and services to the oppressed ethnic minorities being targeted by the Burmese government and to those affected by disaster.  GRI’s ability to reach the affected populations comes through strong partnerships, which utilize the willingness of the local community to rise up and help themselves.  GRI always seeks to have sustainable effects by meeting needs of the exploited in a way that enable them to have increased quality of life.

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published by GRI: May 09

archived by GRI: Aug 09