[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

Free Rachel Goldwyn and James Mawds



Subject: Free Rachel Goldwyn and James Mawdsley - the NCUB Demands the  Release of Burmese Political Prisoners.

<html>
<font size=4><b>Media Release<br>
</font></b><font size=3>17 September 1999<br>
<br>
</font><font size=4><b>Free Rachel Goldwyn and James Mawdsley - the NCUB
Demands the Release of Burmese Political Prisoners<br>
<br>
</font></b><font size=3>The NCUB strongly condemns the recent arrests of
Rachel Goldwyn and James Mawdsley, and demands their immediate
release.&nbsp; Rachel, James and all pro-democracy activists imprisoned
in Burma have been denied fundamental human rights, including the right
to freedom of expression.<br>
<br>
Rachel Goldwyn was arrested in Rangoon on 7 September 1999, after singing
pro-democracy songs in Burmese and calling for the release of political
prisoners. Yesterday,&nbsp; the 28 year old British student was sentenced
to 7 years in prison. <br>
<br>
Immediately before her arrest, Ms. Goldwyn chanted pro-democracy slogans,
calling on the SPDC to open universities and respect human rights.&nbsp;
She also chanted: &quot;Free James Mawdsley&quot;.&nbsp; Mr. Mawdsley was
arrested in the Shan state on 31 August, as he attempted to distribute
pro-democracy leaflets and cassette tapes.&nbsp;&nbsp; Following a trial
held in secret, the British-Australian national was sentenced to 17 years
in prison.&nbsp; He was sentenced to 5 years under immigration laws and 7
years under printing and publishing laws.&nbsp; An additional 5 years
were added, representing time James was to have served under a previous
sentence.<br>
<br>
We recognize the commitment and sacrifice of pro-democracy supporters who
demonstrate their solidarity with the people of Burma.&nbsp; We are
grateful to those who continue to show the people of Burma that they are
not alone in their struggle for human rights and democratic 
freedom.<br>
<br>
The NCUB continues to condemn the harsh sentences given to those who
stand up for democracy in Burma.&nbsp;&nbsp; We demand that the SPDC
release Rachel Goldwyn, James Mawdsley and all political prisoners who
continue to serve unjust sentences in deplorable conditions throughout
the country.&nbsp; <br>
<br>
<br>
<b>Information Committee<br>
National Council of the&nbsp; Union of Burma<br>
<br>
<br>
</b>For information regarding NCUB please see:<br>
<a href="http://www.freeburma.org/lokanat/ncub/ncub.html"; eudora="autourl">http://www.freeburma.org/lokanat/ncub/ncub.html</a><br>
</font>
<BR>
</html>