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NLD Statement 6 in English
National League for Democracy
(97/b) West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon
Statement 6(1/99)
Contents of letter dated 6 January 1999 from the Chairman of the NLD to
the Chairman of the SPDC on the subject " Living conditions of NLD
members in the prisons near the town of Kalay" are distributed for
public information.
(Start)
" 1. With great integrity, Burma became a signatory to the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights wherein
Article 18 states- "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought,
conscience and religion. -------"
Article 19 states- " Everyone has the right to freedom of opinions and
expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinions without
interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas
through media and regardless of frontiers."
2. With a genuine desire to promote the worthy principle of democracy
and human rights for its people, the National League for Democracy and
its members in their political activities have been exercising " the
right of everyone to freedom of opinions and expression". It is obvious
that there has been no violation of any law. It is only the authorities
who have been offending the provisions contained in Articles 5, 6, and 8
of the Human Rights Declaration.
3. The persons who have taken over state power and authority have in
devious ways used the law to suit their own purposes and have for long
periods of time punished innocent members of the NLD.
4. Apart from imprisonment for long periods of time they have made it
difficult for the families (who have a duty to attend to their well
being) to reach them by imprisoning them in distant places. Thus,
innocent persons are being doubly punished. This kind of maltreatment
without fellow feeling (spirit of brotherhood as human beings) or
compassion should never be indulged in. It is in direct contravention of
Article 1 of the Human Rights Declaration.
5. For example, some NLD members are imprisoned in the jail that is
built in deep jungle area near Kalay town in Sagaing Division where
family members can not reach. Malaria is widespread in these jungles and
it is reported that all of fifteen NLD members there are suffering from
this disease.
6. Despite the authorities being wholly responsible for them, no
medical treatment is given. Though it is stated in Article 3 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights that " Everyone has the right to
life, liberty and security of person." this right is being totally
denied to the prisoners confined in the jail near the town of Kalay.
7. The authorities have a duty to attend to the health and daily needs
of NLD members who are innocent of any crimes and are illegally
imprisoned. If the lives of these individuals are at risk due to any
omission, lapse or defect of the authorities, they will be held entirely
responsible.
8. Moreover, we demand that these innocent victims be immediately
released. " (End)
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
11 January 1999
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