ABSDF Media Release (r)

[caroline@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release (46/99)
August 27, 1999

Student demonstrators in Burma charged under Emergency Provisions Act;
ABSDF rejects accusations of disinformation campaign

Twenty three students, aged between 14-23, who were involved in the protest in
Mergui on August 12, were charged under section 5 (j) of the 1950 Emergency
Provision Act (EPA), which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment,
possibly with hard labour, sources informed on 23 August, 1999. (See: ABSDF
media release dated on 14 August). 

Another 6 students from the same schools in Mergui have also been charged
under
the EPA for their involvement in demonstrations (the list if name is attached
below). 

A new student demonstration by high school students in Mergui is also reported
to have taken place on 16 August. The demonstrators are reported to have
shouted slogans demanding the release of the students who were arrested after
the 12 August demonstration (the names of those arrested on 16 August have yet
to be confirmed).

The ABSDF rejects the accusation made by the SPDC that such news are
fabrications and part of a disinformation campaign by the Front, directed
against the ruling military junta in Burma. According to Aung Thu Nyein,
general secretary of the ABSDF, ?the news creator is the SPDC itself. In
Burma,
the media is totally controlled by the ruling authorities. The people have no
opportunity to raise their voice. For that reason, the ABSDF is merely a
witness, and our news are a reflection of the oppression the people are being
subjected to and their struggle. The ABSDF is working hard to ensure that
events throughout the country are covered, because we believe that the free
flow of information is an important democratic principle, and that every
Burmese as a responsible citizen has a right to express his or her concern
without fear of intimidation?.

The ABSDF also questions the purpose ofa media release issued by the SPDC
on 18
August 1999 where the junta called upon the opposition to cease its activities
and make a ?meaningful and positive? contribution. The ABSDF does not consider
this appeal to reflect the sincere wish of the SPDC. The statement was issued
as part of an ongoing public relations campaign, and will only carry
significance if it is followed by real gestures. 

?Trust can be built on the ground if the SPDC shows concrete and tangible
gestures that would amount to a meaningful and constructive contribution to
democracy. If the SPDC is really sincere about being constructive, the SPDC
should do the following;   
(1) release all political prisoners, in particular elected MPs and students,  
(2) halt the ongoing hostile campaign against the NLD, and (3) immediately
lift
all oppressive measures directed against political dissidents and the people.?

List with the names of the 6 arrested students in Mergui;
(1) Ye Yint Aung, 17 years old, BEHS (1) 
(2) Ni Min Htun, 17 years old, BEHS (1).
(3) Myo Win Htun, 18 years old, BEHS (4)
(4) Phyo Wai Win, 18 years old, BEHS (1)
(5) Zarni Win Kyaw, 18 years old, BEHS (3)
(6) Hlaing Win, 19 years old, BEHS (4).

For further information, please contact; 01-654 4984, 01-960 4026.

--------------------------------------------------------------
All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)
P.O. Box 42, Hua Mark P.O, Bangkapi, 10243, Bangkok
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