Statement of Civil Society for Burm

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Subject: Statement of Civil Society for Burma

								          May 23, 1999

Statement of Civil Society for Burma opposing the criminal acts of the
Burmese Embassy in Tokyo.

Today protestors for democracy in Burma were beaten at a concert in Tokyo.
Burmese activist Dr. Khin Maung Oo (NLD-La Japan) and Ko Myo Min Htut
(Michael) were badly beaten by the MIS from the Burmese Embassy when they
took off their shirts and exposed t-shirts bearing the image of Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi.

The concert was hosted by turncoat Tun Aye, Win Naing and Mya Mya Win in
collaboration with the Burmese Embassy in Tokyo.

The activists were surrounded by the MIS and when they shouted democracy
slogans they were rounded up and badly beaten with flashlights and sticks.
Dr. Khin Maung Oo was beaten by five MIS and has some cuts on his head.
Michael Collin's nose was bleeding.

The Japanese police tried to get into the concert room but they were
blocked by the Embassy people.  The police demanded the individuals who
beat the activists but the Embassy argued that they had diplomatic immunity.

Dr. Khin Maung Oo's wife recorded the event with her video camera but her
camera was seized by the MIS.  Later the camera was handed over to the
police but the recorded tape was not included.

We Burmese students and activists from the US and Canada strongly condemn
the criminal acts of the Burmese Embassy in Japan.  Such brutal acts
against people who want democracy and self-respect should not be tolerated.
We urge the Japanese Foreign Ministry to give careful consideration to
this violent event.

The criminals must be punished.  Japan is a free country and rule by just law.

Civil Society for Burma