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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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