Over the past month, thousands of monks and civilians have been protesting in cities across Burma, demanding an end to injustice. The protests have now grown into the largest public demonstrations since 1988.
The protests were sparked by the military regime’s decision to raise fuel prices by 500 per cent. In response, the regime has launched a severe crackdown on protestors. Over 150 people have been arrested, including almost all the leading pro-democracy activists, and demonstrators have been savagely attacked by police and pro-junta mobs.
Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama
September 23, 2007
I extent my support and solidarity with the recent peaceful movement for democracy
in Burma.
I fully support their call for freedom and democracy and take this opportunity to
appeal to freedom-loving people all over the world to support such non-violent
movements. Moreover, I wish to convey my sincere appreciation and admiration to
the large number of fellow Buddhists monks for advocating democracy and freedom
in Burma.
As a Buddhist monk, I am appealing to the members of the military regime who
believe in Buddhism to act in accordance with the sacred dharma in the spirit of
compassion and non-violence.
I pray for the success of this peaceful movement and the early release of fellow Nobel
Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
