| Sometimes... Don't you just wish that you could lock up people that disagreed with you? |
| Written by Christopher Mills |
| Friday, 12 June 2009 11:25 |
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...To prevent them from further bothering you and inciting others, to disagree with your opinions as well? Maybe. Right now, it's quite possible that John Key is wishing that Labour leader Phil Goff would disappear quietly, after calling the latest budget 'dishonest'. Well, if this were Myanmar, it would probably happen. In all likelihood, we would not even have a Government, just a military ruler, who with a group of other military leaders, 'took care' of the country as they saw fit. Sounds like a fantastic idea. Myanmar, or Burma as it is sometimes known, has not had a democratically elected government since 1962, when General Ne Win led a military coup d’état. During his reign, Ne Win implemented a system that he called the Burmese Way to Socialism. It is described as combined Soviet-style nationalization and central planning, with the governmental implementation of superstitious beliefs. Critics described it as "an amalgam of Buddhist and Marxist illogic" (Newsweek, February 1974). Since the initial overthrowing of the government, many changes were made, including the banning of all other political parties. The name of the country changed from the 'Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma' to the 'Union of Myanmar', and countless people were imprisoned for opposing the military led government. One of those people is Aung San Suu Kyi. The leader of the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, is one of the few voices of reason within Myanmar. A fierce advocate of non-violent protest, Suu Kyi was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her efforts in trying to attain democracy via peaceful means. What's worse, is that Suu Kyi is actually the rightful Prime Minister of Myanmar, with her National League for Democracy winning over 80% of the parliamentary seats in the 1990 general election. However, not liking the outcome, the military nullified the results and arrested Suu Kyi. Because she openly opposes the military dictatorship and encourages others, to exercise their right to non-violent protest, Suu Kyi has found herself on the wrong side of an unjust law. In fact, October 24, 2007 marked her twelfth year under house arrest. Recent events involving Suu Kyi have attracted considerable international attention. On May 3 2009, an American man swam across a lake to her house, uninvited. His motives were unknown, but he pleaded exhaustion and Suu Kyi, allowed him to stay for two days before he swam back across the lake. Suu Kyi was arrested just over a week later for violating the terms of her house arrest, the punishment for which is up to five years in prison. A very convenient incident, considering her house arrest was due to expire on May 27. The trial of Suu Kyi and her two maids began on May 18. However, no journalists or diplomats were permitted inside the courtroom. As you would expect, courts in Myanmar are just as fair and balanced as Bill O'Reilly. The prosecution was permitted to call 14 witnesses against Suu Kyi, whereas the defence was only permitted to call one. These events have sparked an international outcry, with many governments condemning the actions of Myanmar's leadership. Even the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Myanmar is a member, has condemned the arrest and trial. However, China is one country that has not objected to the actions of Myanmar's government. Most likely to protect their interests there. Amnesty International has a section of their website containing information about Suu Kyi's case, and their constant efforts to achieve her freedom. There is a facility to send protest emails or letters to General Ne Win requesting the release of Suu Kyi. Perhaps, if he has to spend all day clearing his inbox of what could be considered protest spam, eventually he will get sick of doing so and release Suu Kyi. Sign the petition HERE. |
