Activists in 21 Countries Join 24hr Hunger Strike for Burma

Activists in 21 countries are today taking part in a 24 hour hunger strike in solidarity with 41 detained protestors who are on hunger strike in Burma. The detained protestors, now on their sixth day of hunger strike, are demanding that the Burmese military regime allow medical treatment for one of their number, Ye Thein Naing, (aka) Oo Way. His leg was broken when he was attacked by a regime militia as he took part in a peaceful protest. Last night the hunger strikers were removed from Kyaikkasan Detention Center. Their current whereabouts is unknown.

“We want everyone in Burma to know that we are with them,” said Myo Thein, Campaigns Officer at the Burma Campaign UK. “Today people on five continents are joining with those on hunger strike in Burma, and those who are bravely protesting against the regime. People across the world are uniting against the regime.”

Campaigners in the UK, Germany, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Sweden, Portugal, South Africa, Italy, USA, Denmark, Hong Kong, Belgium, Canada, Thailand, Burma, Australia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Czech Republic and Austria will be taking part.

It is now 17 days since protests began in response to fuel price increases of up to 500 percent. Almost 200 arrests have been made, including prominent democracy activists such as Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi. Burma is notorious for its use of torture against political opponents.

Following pressure from Burma solidarity groups in Europe, European Union foreign ministers will discuss the current crisis when they meet on 7th and 8th September.  British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also backed campaigners’ calls for the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation in Burma.

Today’s hunger strike was initiated by Burma Campaign UK and Christian Solidarity Worldwide, and is being support by pro-democracy organisations worldwide.

For more information contact Myo Thein or Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4710

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