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OPEN LETTER OF SUPPORT TO DR. CHEE



Subject: OPEN LETTER OF SUPPORT TO DR. CHEE SOON JUAN


OPEN LETTER OF SUPPORT TO DR. CHEE SOON JUAN, 
GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE SINGAPORE DEMOCRATIC PARTY



Dr. Chee Soon Juan
General Secretary
Singapore Democratic Party
300 A Balestier Rd, Singapore 329737
Republic of Singapore
Date: March 29, 1999


Dear Dr. Chee,

The All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) extends its support to you
in your trial on 30 March 1999 of charges relating to the sale of your book
To Be Free. In view of Singapore's constitutional guarantee of freedom of
expression, the charges against you are further evidence of the
criminalisation of political activities through the use of Singapore's laws.  

The current charges may well be related to the fact that To Be Free
presents a biography of, among others, Burma's opposition leader Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi.  There is a high level of Singaporean investment in Burma, and
the Singapore government has strong links with the Burmese military regime
and the drug lords it protects.  

You have raised these and other matters in exercising your right to freely
express yourself.  You have already served two terms of imprisonment for
expressing yourself about political issues, and it is a testament to your
courage and dedication that you have continued to fight for the recognition
of this right of Singaporeans.  ABSDF joins many others worldwide in
wishing you success.


In solidarity,

All Burma Students' Democratic Front