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Free Rachel Goldwyn and James Mawds
Subject: Free Rachel Goldwyn and James Mawdsley - the NCUB Demands the Release of Burmese Political Prisoners.
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<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. 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, 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.
She also chanted: "Free James Mawdsley". Mr. Mawdsley was
arrested in the Shan state on 31 August, as he attempted to distribute
pro-democracy leaflets and cassette tapes. Following a trial
held in secret, the British-Australian national was sentenced to 17 years
in prison. He was sentenced to 5 years under immigration laws and 7
years under printing and publishing laws. 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. 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. 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. <br>
<br>
<br>
<b>Information Committee<br>
National Council of the 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>
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