information release:

May 9, 2008

The military regime continues to carry out human rights violations in Burma despite the huge humanitarian crisis gripping the country, reported the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) today.

In many areas of the country the military regime is pressing ahead with Saturday's referendum on a draft constitution, which will effectively consolidate military rule for the foreseeable future. Arrests of pro-democracy activists in those areas continue. Yesterday 3 National League for Democracy (NLD) members in Magwe division's Salin Township were arrested for distributing pamphlets which simply provided people with information on how to vote in the referendum. Meanwhile in Paletwa Township in Western Burma's Chin State , 4 pro-democracy activists were arrested for distributing anti-referendum posters and pamphlets in the area.

36 criminal prisoners were killed and around 70 injured when the authorities opened fire in Rangoon 's Insein Prison, in a violent response to a fire and prison riot in the aftermath of the cyclone on Saturday. 4 more prisoners died during interrogation as part of a follow-up investigation by authorities. Some political prisoners are suffering from smoke inhalation and 4 NLD members have been transferred to a punishment block following the riot.

“The military authorities are too concerned with maintaining their grip on power, when really now is the time to set politics aside,” said Ko Bo Kyi, joint-secretary of AAPP. “We urge the regime to postpone the referendum across the whole country and focus attention on helping the cyclone victims,” he said.

Reports coming out of the country indicate that the military is ill-equipped to deal with the situation, and there are concerns about how aid money will be spent. In Rangoon , local authorities have been selling rooftop materials to local people rather than giving them away. Reports also indicate that monks and other civic groups are only allowed to help people with the explicit permission of the authorities.

“The regime also needs to set aside its mistrust of foreign aid agencies and NGOs, and remove all obstacles to aid getting through. That includes the usual guidelines and restrictions under which international NGOs have to operate,” continued Ko Bo Kyi. “We urge people in Burma to band together to form community groups, to facilitate working with NGOs and aid agencies directly,” he added.

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Notes to editors:

•  The 3 NLD members arrested in Magwe division's Salin Township are Ko Aung Soe, Ko Win Shwe and Ko Thein Lwin.

•  The four activists arrested in Palweta Township in western Burma 's Chin State have been named as U Kho Take, U Hla Tun Aung, U Aung Be, and U Hwe Lan.

•  For further information and media interviews, please contact:

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Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, Burma

For more information:

Contact to Ko Tate Naing at 66-81-2878751

Ko Bo Kyi at 66-81-3248935