18 Fewer Political Prisoners in Bur

[free18@xxxxxxx]

The vigil outside the Burmese Ambassador's residence in Washington is set to
continue at least until the standoff between the regime and Aung San Suu Kyi
is resolved peacefully and she allowed to travel freely.  After talking to
family members, we expect at least one--and maybe all four of the A.U.
students to come join the vigil that was started for them.  That could
happen as soon as Sunday morning Washington time.

At 5:00pm EST, there will be a ceremony at the Washington vigil to light a
19th candle--this one for Aung San Suu Kyi.  Excerpts from messages sent to
detainees at freeau@xxxxxxx will be read, as will a statement by friends and
fellow students.  Finally, a rememberance of the NLD Member of Parliament
who just died will be read.  The Member of Parliament who just died in
prison was tried by the regime under several laws, including the 1950
Emergency Provisions Act which the Rangoon 18 were sentenced under.

There are 18 fewer political prisoners in Burma tonight, but Amnesty
International believes that there are still 1500 more to free.  Every day
that the standoff with Aung San Suu Kyi continues, another candle will be
lit to remind the world of another political prisoner still in Burma's jail.
Tomorrow's candle will probably be for Min Ko Naing.  If it takes filling
the streets with candles to make the world see what the regime is trying to
hide...