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Last modified 31 Aug 07
     
 
Over the past 10 days, hundreds of people have taken part in some of the largest demonstrations held in Burma in a decade.

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 100 people have been arrested in the last week, including almost all the leading pro-democracy activists, and demonstrators have been savagely attacked by police and pro-junta mobs.

The following is a list of statements made by governments and NGOs about the crackdown:


  
 
 
     
 

 

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
   
 

Burma: Condemnation of the arrest of pro-democracy students

During the past few days, the Junta in Burma has arrested a number of student leaders from the 1988 Generation - a prominent pro-democracy group.
 
The arrests followed demonstrations against a sudden rise in energy prices, which the Burmese Government introduced on 15 August.
 
Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Per Stig Møller, states:
 
“The Danish Government strongly condemns the recent days’ arrest of several of Burma’s leading human rights activists. The arrests are yet another example of the regime’s lack of respect for civil rights.
 
Denmark encourages Burma to release these activists immediately, and to release all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now detained for the 11th consecutive year.

We maintain our demand that Burma’s Government initiates a real process of democratisation and national reconciliation and opens up to political dialogue with the democratic forces in Burma. Denmark supports the civil forces who are working under very difficult conditions to establish a peaceful transition to democracy and reconciliation in Burma.”

(Unofficial translation by The Danish Burma Committee)