2015 Palm Campaign: “Even Though I’m Free I Am Not” – Extended in Light of the Recent Mass Arrests of Peaceful Protestors

Today – March 13, 2015 – the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) and the Former Political Prisoners Society (FPPS) announce the extension of the 2015 Palm Campaign in light of the recent violent government crackdowns and mass arrests of at least 127 peaceful protestors.

Initially, the campaign was intended to culminate today – Burma’s Human Rights Day. This day commemorates the death of Phone Maw – the student shot dead at Rangoon Institute of Technology by government security troops during protests in 1988 – and highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy in Burma.

The recent student demonstrations and subsequent brutal government crackdown against peaceful protestors is cause for great concern, and AAPP and FPPS have been monitoring the situation closely. At least 127 people have been arrested and detained in connection with the student protests against the proposed National Education Law. Whilst we have received details of 64 people that have been charged, it is unclear as to what charges the rest of the detainees are facing. After much consideration, we have decided to extend the 2015 Palm Campaign; it is vital that we draw attention to those detained in relation to the student protests and call on our supporters to demand their immediate and unconditional release.

Hundreds of supporters across the globe have joined the 2015 Palm Campaign to support the demands that the Government of Burma: unconditionally release all current political prisoners; put an end to the use of oppressive laws to harass, arrest and imprison activists; and enact real lasting judicial and legislative reform in Burma. We would like to thank all of our supporters that stand in solidarity with Burma’s political prisoners and request they extend their support to those detained this week. The exhibition to showcase the support for Burma’s political prisoners will be postponed until further notice due to the volatile nature of the current political climate.

To find out more about the campaign or how to support Burma’s political prisoners, please visit www.aappb.org/2015-political-prisoners-campaign or email campaigns@aappb.org

Further contact details:

Aung Myo Kyaw AAPP: +95 942 811 7384
Thet Oo FPPS: +95 942 111 3871