NLD Statement 78 (r)

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

National League for Democracy
No:(97/B), West Shwegondine Road
Bahan Township, Bahan

STATEMENT 78(6/99)(translation)

1. It must be admitted that the visit of the International Committee of the 
Red Cross (ICRC) representatives to Burma is better than no visit at all.To 
assess the outcome of such a visit it will be necessary to know all the 
facts from beginning to end.

2.We have complete faith in the integrity, motives, honesty, good will, 
expertise, and varied experiences of that organisaton. We believe that in 
the process of interrogation and investigation at the big and small jails, 
they will witness the appalling hardships and denial of human rights imposed 
on prisoners by the military dictators and report on the true situation.

3.  We anticipate better and more humane treatment of prisoners
especially those who have been imprisoned for their activities for
democracy. We are fully aware that this is the main objective of the ICRC. 
Moreover, every individual has the right to the freedoms set out in the 
Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The Burmese government 
was a signatory to that document.

4.  To obtain a true picture of prison conditions, it is necessary that
the representatives of the ICRC meet prisoners of significance in an 
atmosphere of independence and security.

5.  Our information is that prior to the visit of these representatives,
the Insein prison was transformed to appear like a most desirable town for 
living in.  But political prisoners especially students and
democracy activists had been regularly transferred to jails in other
townships.

6.  Our information is that under the supervision of the Military
Intelligence, from early April,1999, groups and batches of prisoners were 
transported in big motor vehicles, railway goods wagons (not passenger 
compartments), like animals locked securely and dispatched to jails all over 
the country.

7. Two days prior to the visit of the ICRC representatives, there was great 
hurry and flurry at the Insein jail to complete the transfers ontime. The 
prisoners were made to assemble at the gate  on the night prior to the 
transfer and as names were called out, the prisoner was hurriedly and 
forcefully bundled into waiting paddy wagons and driven away.  The prison 
authorities were extremely rude and harsh in their behaviour towards the 
prisoners.

8.  Visiting family members and relatives who arrived at the jail as
usual on the scheduled visiting dates did not meet the prisoner they

came to see. They had to leave the food and other articles they had
brought with them with the authorities which the prisoners never
received.

9. Extreme security measures were taken to prevent the transferred
prisoners from escaping en route. On arrival at the gates of the new
prisons, those Insein jail prisoners were picked out, classified as
dangerous and heavy metal anklets and bars (old and rusted) were put in 
place on them. The coarse metal that rubbed against their skins caused sores 
to erupt and infection from rust. Shaving of their heads was another 
dehumanizing act that was adopted.

10. Those prisoners who were transferred from their original prisons had not 
committed any offence during the period of imprisonment and this amounted to 
an additional sentence. Criminologists and Sociologists will view this 
treatment as extremely unjust and illegal.

11. The social consequences of this forceful transfer of prisoners gives 
rise to grave consequences. Families and relatives of prisoners suffer great 
anxiety not knowing the place of imprisonment and are denied the right to 
visit and supply them with food and articles necessary for their survival. 
At great risk is the health of the prisoners for which the authorities will 
be held entirely responsible.

12.  What is worse and most heartbreaking is the case where several 
prisoners of the same family have been transferred to different localities 
which makes it hard for family members to reach them all on visiting days 
that coincide. This is a reflection of the increasing heartlessness of the 
authorities who seem to be void of any human compassion and fellow feeling 
whatsoever.

13. The ICRC is reputed for its ideology, good-will, integrity, and vast 
experience which causes us to anticipate better conditions for all prisoners 
in all the jails in Burma.  However, right now, this is not so.  The 
immense, immeasurable hardship and sorrow that prisoners and their families 
are faced with is no cause for joy.

14.  The National League for Democracy was voted in at the 1990 general 
elections with the greatest number of Hluttaw representatives and the people 
have entrusted the party with great responsibility in all and every matter. 
This cannot be ignored and should be treated seriously. The military 
dictators have ignored the results of the elections. But the National League 
for Democracy is a national political organisaton that performs and applies 
the democratic principles and knows its obligations.

15.  The ICRC has approached the SPDC, we believe, with genuine concern. In 
similar fashion, the NLD that won the mandate from the people through the 
general election should be consulted.  If this takes place, there can be 
opportunity for cooperation and information on the conditions that are 
current in the jails.  Also, the majority of prisoners are members of the 
NLD, and elected representatives of the people. Therefore consultation with 
political parties is not something that should be avoided.

16.  The National League for Democracy forcefully declares its hope that the 
ICRC will in keeping with its policies and objectives succeed in its 

investigations into prison conditions and the fate of prisoners that are 
suffering unjust and illegal imprisonment.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
16 June 1999



______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com